Organised by the FIP Community Pharmacy Section, in collaboration with the FIP Industrial Pharmacy Section

Chair

Jaime Acosta Gómez (Farmacia Acosta, Spain)

Introduction

The importance of promoting efficient and effective management throughout the supply chain cannot be overemphasised. The largest global e-commerce companies have shown that they have a robust and efficient supply chain and mastery of the technology and innovative approaches to really transform and disrupt how the marketplace delivers products. Pharmacists have responded with concern to these giants’ move into the pharmacy market. Can patients consider medicines just as any other product that found online? Does face-to-face interaction with the patient still make a difference? Would these colossuses be more effective or efficient for consumers?

From a logistics and consumerism perspective, providing medicines is an ideal way to enhance the value of these companies’ free package delivery. The internet giants offer a variety of gadgets and services to keep homes stocked with the products it sells, all of which could be applied to prescription drugs. Shoppers can automate delivery of frequently purchased items like toothpaste and tissues. Small dedicated devices let shoppers summon more paper towels and dog food with the push of a small internet-connected device. Prescription medicines, especially for people on a medication regimen, fit perfectly into these companies’ convenient household replenishment strategy. Even better, drugs are lightweight, making their delivery less costly than bottled water and laundry detergent.

Do pharmacies have a chance of not only adding value but surviving in the global e-commerce age? Come to this session to form your opinion.

Programme

Learning Objectives