On May 30, when 600 pharmacies shut down in protest against a decision of the Central government to allow e-pharmacies to operate, it will be the beginning of a long transition to an e-market. Pharmacies have long served as an important link between consumer and manufacturer, but they are now threatened by the digital market which is a lot more convenient than driving up to a store, finding place to park only to be told that the drug is not available. Of course, most of the time, the drug is available, but the convenience of shopping online and the time saved on travelling simply makes e-shopping a lot more attractive. And traditional pharmacies have a lot to be worried about. Sale of drugs through mail-order is already in existence in advanced countries and the rapid growth of the digital world will eventually encompass pharmacies as well. Amazon is already making plans to enter the pharmacy market and once the leader takes the plunge others will follow. The only thing holding back e-pharmacies in the country is the law and once it is amended, there will be nothing to stop its growth. But if Amazon and Flipkart could not break the back of brick and mortar stores, there is a strong likelihood that traditional pharmacies will survive this round.
