Online Drug Purchasing in India: Community Pharmacists Perceptions and Attitudes

Background: In India, online pharmacies have gained significant popularity and are reshaping the way in which pharmaceutical services are provided. With community pharmacist serving as an integral part of public health, promoting the safe and effective use of medicines, this study aimed to evaluate their perceptions of online pharmacies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangalore, Karnataka India. An electronic survey was developed and distributed to pharmacists across Bangalore through email and the collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 122 pharmacists participated in the study, and more than half of the participants agreed that they purchase medicines from online pharmacies, with approximately 19% doing it frequently and 52% making occasional purchases for their personal or family use. Half of the respondents (50.81%) believe that online pharmacies can be a source of counterfeit and substandard medicines and raised their concern over their safety. Participants suggested mandatory (47.54%) prescription verification, stringent regulatory measures, and accreditation processes for online pharmacies. Conclusion: Online pharmacies have the potential to further expand access to medications but must be introduced into the healthcare system in a balanced approach that does not compromise either patient safety or the traditional roles of pharmacies.