<p>As the government mulls over the future of e-pharmacies, a consumer survey has pointed out people’s overwhelming preference for online purchase of their medicines, particularly for senior citizens.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Carried out on 4,600 individuals, the survey released on Wednesday found almost 61% of the respondents resorting to purchase of drugs over the internet, while given a choice 90% of them are inclined to do the same.<br /><br />Indian laws currently don’t allow e-pharmacies. Last year, the NDA government set up a technical panel to review the issues surrounding online pharmacy business that are gaining popularity in the cities even without the legal foundation.<br /><br />The survey found a shift in consumer preference due to convenience and affordable pricing in online medicine stores. <br /><br />Most of the online orders are from senior citizens in the age group of 55-74, says the survey carried out by the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals, which was commissioned by the Consumer Online Foundation.<br /><br />“The government has set up a committee to establish guidelines for the online sale of medicines. The survey highlights the need to change certain sections of relevant laws to keep pace with changing times,” said Bejon Misra, founder of Consumer Online Foundation. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for July 8.<br /><br /></p>
<p>As the government mulls over the future of e-pharmacies, a consumer survey has pointed out people’s overwhelming preference for online purchase of their medicines, particularly for senior citizens.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Carried out on 4,600 individuals, the survey released on Wednesday found almost 61% of the respondents resorting to purchase of drugs over the internet, while given a choice 90% of them are inclined to do the same.<br /><br />Indian laws currently don’t allow e-pharmacies. Last year, the NDA government set up a technical panel to review the issues surrounding online pharmacy business that are gaining popularity in the cities even without the legal foundation.<br /><br />The survey found a shift in consumer preference due to convenience and affordable pricing in online medicine stores. <br /><br />Most of the online orders are from senior citizens in the age group of 55-74, says the survey carried out by the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals, which was commissioned by the Consumer Online Foundation.<br /><br />“The government has set up a committee to establish guidelines for the online sale of medicines. The survey highlights the need to change certain sections of relevant laws to keep pace with changing times,” said Bejon Misra, founder of Consumer Online Foundation. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for July 8.<br /><br /></p>