European Online Pharmacies Surge Amid Digital Healthcare Shift

Germany: Leading Online Pharmacy Regulation Pioneer

Germany has been leading in including internet pharmacies into its medical system. The nation first approved the internet selling of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in 2004 and then let prescription to be sold online in 2019. Since then, the market for German internet pharmacies has expanded significantly.

Among the main participants in the German market is DocMorris, which has grown to be among the biggest online pharmacies in Europe. The business has seen consistent expansion; recent years’ yearly sales surpass €500 million.

The advanced postal system of the nation enables delivery of goods within 24 hours to any domestic location, therefore supporting the expansion of e-commerce in fields outside of healthcare. With one pharmacy for every 4,644 people, the nation’s pharmacy density has also helped internet buying to be rather popular.

Especially for non-urgent items like weight-loss or habit control, the ease of internet buying has resulted in an increasing number of e-Pharmacies. The nation’s e-Pharmacy market maturity shows how the online pharmacy sector may grow in less developed nations. The increasing complexity of the online buying process has presented chances to reach a larger audience as well as hazards related to pricing and reliance on big e-retailers impacting margin.

Netherlands: Center of Cross-Border Online Pharmacy Services

Not only domestically but also for cross-border sales inside the European Union, the Netherlands has positioned itself as a hub for online pharmacy services. The regulatory environment of the country has allowed online pharmacies to grow; companies like Shop Apotheke Europe have gained rather significant market share.

Using mail-order systems, cross-border pharmacies in the Netherlands send prescription drugs to consumers in other EU members states. These pharmacies are checked for adherence to Dutch laws and professional standards by the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ). Cross-border pharmacies could find it difficult to comply, though, given different healthcare laws in other EU members.

Under inspections of cross-border pharmacies, the IGJ permits departures from legal Dutch norms if they exclusively provide prescribed drugs to patients in another EU member state and follow the legislation of the EU member state the patient lives in. Should the pharmacy not comply, the IGJ investigates to ascertain whether there is inadequate guarantee of quality of treatment.

The Pharmacies market in the Netherlands is expected to see a significant increase in revenue, reaching US$6.51bn by 2024. This growth has been spurred in part by convenience, reasonable pricing, and an elderly population more at comfortable with internet services.

 

United Kingdom: Juggling Policy and Innovation

The online pharmacy market in the United Kingdom has also grown somewhat significantly. As part of its wider digital transformation plan, the National Health Service (NHS) has been encouraging of digital health projects including online pharmacies.

Businesses like Pharmacy2U is the UK’s first and largest online pharmacy is well-positioned for further growth, with rising prescription volumes expected to generate cost savings. The company is also collaborating with the Competition and Markets Authority on its acquisition of Metabolic Healthcare.

Strict rules for internet pharmacies have been put in place by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which also requires an obligatory logo system to enable customers to spot reputable online pharmacies.

The UK Pharmacies market is projected to reach a revenue of US$47.57bn in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.50%. The US is expected to generate the highest revenue, while the UK is experiencing a rise in online pharmacy services.

Challenges and Future Opportunities

Despite the growth and potential of online pharmacies in these countries, several challenges remain:

• Ensuring patient safety and halting the bogus drug sales
• Managing need for adequate medical advice against convenience
• Dealing with privacy and data security concerns
• Negotiation among many EU members tough and sometimes contradictory rules

Looking ahead, European online pharmacy e-commerce market is expected to continue following its rising tendency. Growing digitization, an older population, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 epidemic most certainly contribute to further use of online pharmacy services.

As the industry shifts, more innovation in domains including artificial intelligence-driven medication management, integration with telemedicine services, and customized drug delivery could be expected.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming deep dives into other e-commerce pharmacies in other exciting markets across the EU.👇