E-Pharmacy 2
E-Pharmacy 2
E-Pharmacy 2
ON
“CONSUMER AWARENESS ON E-PHARMACY”
SUBMITTED BY:
YASH AGGARWAL
ROLL NO: 08329801722
BATCH NO: BBA SEM2 E
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Table of Contents
Student declaration……………………………………………………i
Certificate from Guide………………………………………………..ii
Acknowledgment……………………………………………………..iii
Executive Summary………………………………………………….i
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 E-Commerce…………………………………………….
1.2 Consumer Behaviour………………………………
1.3 E-Pharmacy…………………………………………
1.4 Purpose of Study…………………………………….
1.5 Objectives of study…………………………………
Chapter - 2
About the Organization/Company Profile…………………………
Chapter – 3
Findings and Analysis…………………………………………….
Chapter – 4
Conclusions and Recommendation………………………………
Bibliography
Annexures
Miscellaneous
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STUDENT DECLARATION
SWATI VERMA
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CERTIFICATE
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would want to convey my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Swati
Verma, my mentor, for her invaluable advice and assistance in
completing my project. She was there to assist me every step of
the way, and her motivation is what enabled me to accomplish
my task effectively. I would also like to thank all of the other
supporting personnel who assisted me by supplying the
equipment that was essential and vital, without which I would
not have been able to perform efficiently on this project.
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Executive Summary
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CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
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E-COMMERCE
The term was coined and first employed by Dr. Robert Jacobson, Principal Consultant to the
California State Assembly's Utilities & Commerce Committee, in the title and text of
California's Electronic Commerce Act, carried by the late Committee Chairwoman Gwen
Moore (D-L.A.) and enacted in 1984.
E-commerce typically uses the web for at least a part of a transaction's life cycle although it
may also use other technologies such as e-mail. Typical e-commerce transactions include the
purchase of products (such as books from Amazon) or services (such as music downloads in
the form of digital distribution such as iTunes Store). There are three areas of e-
commerce: online retailing, electronic markets, and online auctions. E-commerce is
supported by electronic business. The existence value of e-commerce is to allow consumers
to shop online and pay online through the Internet, saving the time and space of customers
and enterprises, greatly improving transaction efficiency, especially for busy office workers,
but also saving a lot of valuable time.
E-commerce businesses may also employ some or all of the following:
Online shopping for retail sales direct to consumers via web sites and mobile
apps, conversational commerce via live chat, chatbots, and voice assistants.
Providing or participating in online marketplaces, which process third-
party business-to-consumer (B2C) or consumer-to-consumer (C2C) sales;
Business-to-business (B2B) buying and selling.
Gathering and using demographic data through web contacts and social media.
B2B electronic data interchange.
Marketing to prospective and established customers by e-mail or fax (for
example, with newsletters).
Engaging in pretail for launching new products and services.
Online financial exchanges for currency exchanges or trading purposes.
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CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR
Marketers can develop effective marketing strategies that target the right
consumers with the right message at the right time by understanding consumer
behavior.
Segmentation
Consumer behavior research helps marketers segment markets. Marketers
can modify their marketing messages and strategies to
Product design
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Understanding consumer behavior can also aid in product development. Marketers
can create products that better meet consumer needs and preferences by analyzing
customer requirements and tastes, leading to increased sales and customer
satisfaction.
Pricing Strategies
Marketers can use consumer behavior data to determine the price points at
which customers are willing to pay for a product, as well as the pricing
strategies most likely to appeal to each market segment.
Branding
Consumer behavior research helps in the development of branding strategies.
Marketers can create brand messages and strategies that resonate with
consumers and build brand loyalty by understanding consumer attitudes and
perceptions of brands.
E-PHARMACY
E-Pharmacy is a pharmacy that sells medicines on the internet and delivers them to
customers. Thanks to the internet, the drug purchasing process becomes much easier
and more convenient. Patients can order their prescription medicines from registered
pharmacists via the internet and receive their medicines from the nearest delivery point.
The E-Pharmacy model, which is very easy to use and continues to spread rapidly,
started to replace traditional pharmacies.
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At an age where everything is going online and people are buying almost everything from grocery to gadgets
from web stores, it is time that medical and pharmaceutical market catches up to the trend and indeed it has.
You can now fulfill all your medical needs online.
Objectives Of Study
To study the consumer behaviour on E-Pharmacy.
To study the awareness among the consumer about E-
Pharmacy.
To study that consumer are satisfied using E-Pharmacy.
To study the importance of E-Pharmacy.
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About The Topic
E-pharmacy, also known as online pharmacy or digital pharmacy, has emerged as a
transformative force in the healthcare industry. This innovative concept leverages digital
technology to connect patients with licensed pharmacies, allowing them to conveniently order
prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs from the comfort of their homes. E-
pharmacy has gained significant popularity in recent years, revolutionizing the way people
access healthcare services. This note aims to explore the key benefits, challenges, and future
prospects associated with the rise of e-pharmacy.
Legal status
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, e-pharmacy is legal in India, subject to
certain regulations and guidelines. The legal framework for e-pharmacy in India primarily
includes the following:
1.The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: This act governs the regulation and control of the
manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs and cosmetics in India. The act defines various
aspects related to drug licensing, including the sale of drugs through electronic means.
2.Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945: These rules provide detailed guidelines for the
implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Rule 65 of these rules specifically deals
with the sale of drugs through e-pharmacies.
2.Obtain Licenses and Registrations: a. Drug License: Apply for a Drug License from the
State Drug Control Authority or the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
based on the jurisdiction and scope of your operations. This license is necessary to sell drugs
and pharmaceutical products. b. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration: Register your
e-pharmacy for GST with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) if your annual
turnover exceeds the threshold set by the government. c. FSSAI Registration: If you plan to
sell dietary supplements, health foods, or nutraceuticals, register with the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). d. Other Registrations: Depending on your business
activities and services offered, you may need to obtain additional registrations or permits
such as Shops and Establishment Registration, Import-Export Code (IEC), etc.
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1.Infrastructure and Storage: Ensure your e-pharmacy meets the infrastructure requirements
as per the Guidelines for Pharmacy Practices in India, which include having proper storage
facilities for drugs and maintaining appropriate temperature control for specific medications.
2.Pharmacist and Technical Expertise: Employ a qualified registered pharmacist as per the
requirement of the Drug License. The pharmacist plays a crucial role in verifying
prescriptions, dispensing medications, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Recent Development
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the e-pharmacy sector in India has witnessed
significant developments and ongoing changes. Here are some notable recent developments:
1.New Draft Rules for E-Pharmacies: In September 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
released the draft rules titled "Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Amendment Rules, 2020" to regulate the
e-pharmacy sector more effectively. These proposed rules aim to streamline the operations of e-
pharmacies and enhance patient safety.
2.Expansion of E-Pharmacy Services: E-pharmacy platforms have experienced significant growth and
expanded their services to reach more customers. They offer a wide range of medications, including
prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, health supplements, and personal care items.
3.Increased Funding and Investments: E-pharmacy companies in India have attracted substantial
investments from both domestic and international investors. This influx of funding has supported the
growth and expansion of e-pharmacy platforms, enabling them to enhance their technology
infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and customer reach.
4.Continuous Government and Regulatory Engagement: The Indian government has been actively
engaging with industry stakeholders, experts, and regulatory bodies to address concerns related to e-
pharmacy operations. The aim is to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances
patient safety, access to medications, and fair competition in the pharmaceutical sector.
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CHAPTER-2
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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LIST OF SOME ONLINE PHARMACY:
1) NET MEDS
Netmeds.com is one of India’s most trusted pharmacies, dispensing quality medicines at look
after your own health effortlessly as well as take care of loved ones wherever they may reside
in India. You can buy and send medicines from any corner of the country - with just a few
clicks of the mouse. Netmeds.com, make a wide range of prescription medicines and other
health products conveniently available all across India. Even second and third tier cities and
rural villages can now have access to the latest medicines. Since we also offer generic
alternatives to most medicines, online buyers can expect significant savings.
2) 1mg.com
1mg was initially launched in 2013 as an online store for AYUSH products
(Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, etc.). In 2015, the founders, Prashant Tandon, Vikas
Chauhan and Gaurav Agarwal, rebranded it into an online pharmacy. 1mg’s key
proposition is providing reliable & affordable medicines and its key target group
earlier used to be just patients. To propel growth, they later ventured into diagnostic
services, online consulting. Of course, now they have a long category line-up that goes
beyond healthcare.
The opportunity for e-commerce sellers is the claimed 150 million-plus visitors and
their capability to cater to 1000+ cities across India. It has positioned itself as a leader
in e-healthcare. Further to its partnership with Flipkart, there are talks of the Walmart
owned entity looking to purchase a stake in 1mg.
3) Healthkart.com
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Healthkart finds its place among wellness marketplaces than online-pharmacies.
Incidentally, it shares a common founder with 1mg- Prashant Tandon, apart from
Sameer Maheshwari. While they started it a platform to sell supplements & protein
powder products manufactured by them. Muscleblaze for example is their flagship
brand and they also focus on importing authentic supplements. The focus of the e-
commerce site is on wellness products such as muscle gainers, weight loss products,
and vitamins.
However, they have opened doors for other sellers to participate. Apart from their own
brands which are developed post heavy R&D, Healthkart sells about 200 brands from
enlisted authorized sellers. They cater to a younger consumer group. A point to note
is that the wellness marketplace has an omnichannel model. The company operates
about 93 offline stores in 36 Indian cities. They also provide services like weight loss
& weight gain.
The benefits for a seller to sell on Healthkart include their promise of secure
packaging, fast delivery, and easy payment options. They claim to partner with
premium logistic partners to ensure smooth service delivery. Additionally, they have a
14-day return policy. The wellness-marketplace is strong in its marketing activities to
drive site traffic and these benefits participating sellers.
4) Pharmeasy.com
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PharmEasy was founded in 2015 by Dharmil Sheth, Dr. Dhaval Shah & Mikhil Innani
with the objective of delivering authentic medicines to patients via local pharmacies.
The company expanded its footprint and now claims to deliver medicines to 98%
of pin codes in India. Apart from its network of pharmacies & distributors, the online
marketplace has multiple warehouses in various cities that provide same day delivery
to customers. Like other online pharmacies, the company offers diagnostics tests &
OTC products.
The company promotes products via discounts, promotions & wallet-based cashbacks.
COD is also a feature that is available on the platform. To build loyalty among
customers, the site sends regular reminders to customers to refill their prescriptions or
purchase their frequent requirements.
Owing to exponential growth in the e-pharmacy space, there are take-overs & mergers
taking place. Incidentally, PharmEasy is due for a merger with another well-known
online pharmacy- Medlife. CCI has approved the merger where PharmEasy will
acquire 100% of Medlife equity shares and the promoters of Medlife will get a
19.95% stake in return. While the merger is operationally still underway, both online
pharmacies continue to exist in their current online form- as distinct websites.
5)Medlife.com
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The company claims to have catered to more than 10 million customers to date and
has the bandwidth to do about 25000+ deliveries per day. The delivery network
currently stretches to 4000+ cities in India. It won the ‘Best Healthcare Startup’ award
in the 2019 Edition of the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards. The online pharmacy
offers deals & packages on medicines & lab tests.
6)SastaSundar.com
Despite being a relatively new entrant in the online space, we have included
SastaSundar due to its imminent expansion plans & heavy marketing. The platform is
owned by NSE & BSE listed parent company- SastaSundar Ventures Limited. The
company is headed by founder & executive chairman- BL Mittal and CEO- Ravi Kant
Sharma. Launched it 2013, it operates via a hybrid model of online & offline retail.
Their offerings include their own ‘digital first’ brands, OTC/FMCG products and also
prescription medicines.
Witnessing a drastic change in consumer behavior, post-pandemic; the platform
decided to increase the reach of its online service network. It took its offering pan
India and currently services 15.5K pin codes. Despite sprouting from a traditional
business, the company has proven its digital effectiveness. The website commands an
Alexa country (India) rank of 120 as of 8th February 2021. The SastaSundar app was
chosen by the Government of India in the ‘Digital Indian AatmaNirbhar Challenge’ as
one of India’s best AtmanNirbhar Bharat App. Fundamentally, SastaSundar has a
strong business model and claims to be almost breaking even in its online business. It
is important to note, however, that the platform is not a marketplace. It does provide
offline franchise opportunities.
7) MedPlus
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MedPlus Health Services is an Indian pharmacy retail chain, headquartered
in Hyderabad. MedPlus is the second largest pharmacy chain in India, operating over 3,000
pharmacy stores across 374 cities, as of 2022.
MedPlus sells prescription and OTC medicines, FMCG products, vitamins, and other
nutrition supplements, and opticals. It also offers clinical laboratory services and physician
consultation services in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Bangalore. The company owns and runs
ePharmacy and an online clinical lab service. MedPlus was founded in 2006 by Madhukar
Gangadi. The company's first store was launched in Hyderabad. Initially operating under the
Aushadhi brand name, it was rebranded as MedPlus after the opening of the first 48 stores.
The company opened pharmacies in the western states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in 2007 but
had to shut down and exit operations due to recurring losses. It relaunched stores in
Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2014.
In December 2021, MedPlus Health Services launched its initial public offering (IPO) and
got listed on the Indian stock exchanges.
8) MeraPharmacist
Mera Pharmacist is the Best Online Medicine Pharmacy in India, simplify your search for
medicine and Buy medicine Online. They believe in our customer satisfaction by providing
safe medicines, certified and manufactured by major pharmaceutical corporations.
Nowadays life-saving medications can be costly. Mera Pharmacist was founded to save you
money on your medications, you can buy generic medicine, OTC medicines and prescription
medicines at cheaper rates. We assure our customers for the quality of medicines because we
never choose the low standards at any circumstances.
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Savings and Quality. Mera Pharmacist is offering its services across Pan India covering
16000 + pin codes in Telangana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, and Other states
Our Online pharmacy supplies safe and affordable products at cheap and best price. Mera
Pharmacist takes all the efforts to deliver directly at your doorstep so that we can enrich the
lives of our customers with good health and happiness.
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CHAPTER-3
FINDINGS & ANALYSIS
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PRIMARY DATA
Primary data refers to original data that is collected directly from firsthand sources. It is data
that is gathered specifically for a particular research study, analysis, or investigation. Primary
data is typically obtained through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations,
experiments, or direct measurements. It is considered more reliable and relevant to the
specific research objective than secondary data, which refers to existing data collected by
others for different purposes.
The collection of primary data allows researchers to address specific research questions or
objectives and obtain firsthand information directly from the source of interest. It provides an
opportunity to gather data that is tailored to the specific needs of the study and ensures the
accuracy and relevance of the information collected.
QUESTIONNAIRE
A questionnaire is a research tool used to collect data and gather information from
respondents. It typically consists of a series of structured questions that respondents answer
based on their knowledge, opinions, experiences, or perceptions. Questionnaires are designed
to gather quantitative or qualitative data, depending on the research objectives.
FINDINGS
For findings I have used a questionnaire which is a primary data. The
questionnaire consists of 24 responses:
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Options 0-18 18-35 35-50 50 and Total
above
Response 4 7 5 8 24
s
AGE
INTERPRETATIONS:
The chart shows that maximum number of responders are
more than age 50.
Q. Gender Of the customer
Male
Female
Others
GENDER
INTERPRETATION:
The chart shows that the gender of maximum number of
responders are male implying that medicine are commonly
used by them.
Q. Income Of the consumer
Nil
Less than 20000
20000-50000
50000 and above
Income Nil Less 20000- 50000 Total
than 50000 and
20000 above
Response 5 4 8 7 24
s
24
INCOME
INTERPRETATION:
The chart shows that maximum number of consumers are
with income of between 20000 and 50000.
Options Ye No
s
Response 23 1
s
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AWARENESS
Yes No
INTERPRETATION:
The chart shows that maximum number of consumers are
aware about E-Pharmacy.
Q. Which E-Pharmacy are you aware of the most.
Net meds
1mg.com
Med plus
Medi mart
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E-pharmacy
INTERPRETATION:
The above chart shows that the maximum number of users
uses Net Meds.
Q. How Often you use E-Pharmacy
Regularly
Rarely
Never
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USE
INTERPRETATION:
The above chart represents that maximum number of
consumers rarely required medicines.
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prefrence
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that maximum number of customers like to
buy medicines from offline stores.
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Sales
advertisement online
newspaper family
INTERPRETATION:
The table shoes that maximum number of customers get to
know about E-Pharmacy through online surfing.
Factors
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that maximum number of people consider
quality as the most important factor while buying medicines.
Q. Do you examine the expiry date while buying medicines.
Yes
No
Maybe
yes no maybe
INTERPREATION:
The table shows that maximum number of people examine
expiry date while buying medicines.
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Reputed company Composition
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services
yes no maybe
INTRPRETATION:
The above table shows that maximum number of consumers
like the services of E-Pharmacy
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yes no maybe
INTERPRETATION:
The table shows that maximum number of consumer know
that ayurvedic medicines are also available in E-Pharmacy.
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recommendation
yes no maybe
INTERPRETATION:
The above table shows that maximum number of people will
recommend E-Pharmacy to their friends and family.
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CHAPTER-4
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATIONS
1.Regulatory Framework: Governments should establish and enforce robust regulations for
E-Pharmacy platforms. These regulations should address issues such as licensing
requirements, quality control measures, and strict monitoring of supply chains to ensure the
authenticity and safety of medications.
3.Secure Online Platforms: E-Pharmacy platforms should prioritize the security and privacy
of users' personal and medical information. Implementing secure data encryption, two-factor
authentication, and regular security audits can help protect user data from potential breaches.
4.Consumer Education: Promoting awareness and educating consumers about the risks and
benefits of E-Pharmacy is crucial. Users should be informed about how to identify legitimate
online pharmacies, how to verify the authenticity of medications, and how to protect their
personal information when making online purchases.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, E-Pharmacy has the potential to revolutionize the way medications are
accessed and distributed. However, proper regulation, quality assurance, and user education
are essential to address the associated risks and ensure the safe and effective use of online
platforms. With the right measures in place, E-Pharmacy can provide tremendous value to
consumers, particularly in terms of convenience and accessibility to healthcare products.
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LIMITATIONS
Methodological limitations:
Sample Size
Lack of availability and relatable data
Lack of prior research study on the topic
Measure used to collect the data.
Self-reported data
https://browntape.com/top-online-pharmacies-wellness-
marketplaces-india-2021/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacy_(shop)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-commerce
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MedPlus
https://www.netmeds.com/
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ANNEXURES
Questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegwDBMuabl4-5uhEwBk-P-
JVd8r36e4JR9P_y3VjIiM6Ptbw/viewform?usp=sf_link
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50000 and above
Q. What is the most important factor you consider while buying medicine.
Price
Quality
Composition
Effectiveness
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Q. Do you examine the expiry date while buying medicines.
Yes
No
Maybe
Q. While buying medicine will you follow the reputed company medicine or
the composition of medicine?
Reputed company
Composition of medicines
Q. Do you like the service of e-pharmacy?
Yes
No
Maybe
Q. Do you know that ayurvedic medicine are also available in E-Pharmacy?
Yes
No
Maybe
Q. Would you recommend E-Pharmacy to your friends& family?
Yes
No
Maybe
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