REGULATING ONLINE PHARMACIES: ACHIEVING THE OPTIMAL BALANCE BETWEEN ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/jecm.2025.02.04Keywords:
Medication Accessibility, Online Pharmacies, Regulation, SafetyAbstract
In recent years, the number of online pharmacies has increased worldwide, improving access to medications. This is particularly important for patients living in remote or underserved regions. Additionally, online pharmacies offer consumers extra convenience, allowing them to compare prices and obtain relevant information about medications remotely. The development of online pharmacies naturally enhances medication accessibility; however, in the absence of regulations or their inadequate enforcement, online pharmacies can become an uncontrolled source of medication distribution, posing serious threats to patient health. Implementing high safety standards, utilizing technological solutions, and fostering international cooperation will help online pharmacies provide high-quality and secure pharmaceutical services. Educating patients and tightening regulations are key components in improving the online medication dispensing system, contributing to both consumer safety and the credibility of the healthcare sector.
Downloads
References
Hu, Q., Hu, H., Hu, M., Zhang, J., Gou, L., Shi, S., Zhou, J., Zhou, N., & Huang, Z. (2022). "Use of failure mode and effect analysis to reduce patient safety risks in purchasing prescription drugs from online pharmacies in China". Frontiers in Medicine, 9, 913214. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.913214.
Long, C. S., Kumaran, H., Goh, K. W., Bakrin, F. S., Ming, L. C., Rehman, I. U., Dhaliwal, J. S., Hadi, M. A., Sim, Y. W., & Tan, C. S. (2022). "Online Pharmacies Selling Prescription Drugs: Systematic Review." Pharmacy, 10(2), 42. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10020042.
Veronin, M. A. (2020). "Risk of purchasing prescription medications from rogue online pharmacies." Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, 11, 2042098620940083. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042098620940083.
World Health Organization (WHO). Pharmaceutical pricing policies in a global market. WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2019. Available from: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/326394/9789289054249-eng.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). Ensuring access to medicines: How to expand pharmaceutical benefit packages. WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Available from: https://ordemfarmaceuticos.pt/fotos/editor2/2024/noticias/relatorio_oms.pdf
Jin, S., Kim, J., Chu, C. (2020). "Online pharmacies and consumer protection in South Korea: The role of the Korea Food and Drug Administration." Health Policy and Technology, 9(3), 319-324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlpt.2020.06.002.
Miller, R., Wafula, F., Onoka, C. A., Saligram, P., Musiega, A., Ogira, D., Okpani, I., Ejughemre, U., Murthy, S., Garimella, S., Sanderson, M., Ettelt, S., Allen, P., Nambiar, D., Salam, A., Kweyu, E., Hanson, K., & Goodman, C. (2021). "When technology precedes regulation: the challenges and opportunities of e-pharmacy in low-income and middle-income countries." BMJ Global Health, 6(5), e005405. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005405.PubMed
