KARACHI: Pakistan’s largest eCommerce platform, Daraz, has rolled out its own fully-fledged e-pharmacy service to enable consumers across the country to purchase verified OTC medications without any hassle. The move comes amid a significant push towards expanding digital healthcare solutions in the region.
Daraz launches licensed e-pharmacy, customers will now be able to access pharmaceutical products on an eCommerce website they trust.
The system works through the use of the licensed pharmacy facility at Daraz, and the medicines will be sourced, stored, and dispensed under regulatory requirements. It is for this reason that the entry of Daraz into the Pakistani online health industry is regulatory-based, rather than purely commercial in nature.
Daraz Launches Licensed E-Pharmacy: A Wide Range of Products at Launch
On launching operations, the pharmacy platform will stock a diverse portfolio consisting of more than 450 SKUs offered by over 20 well-known brands such as Haleon, Getz Pharma, Abbott, AGP, Nature’s Bounty, Route2Health, and Searle among others. These items include over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and other health essentials registered under DRAP, obtained via legitimate distribution chains.
Orders can be made via the Daraz application, and deliveries are completed within one to three days to all cities served by Daraz at the moment. This delivery schedule enables Daraz to function as a viable alternative to physical visits to the pharmacies for purchasing OTCs, especially in places where adequate pharmacies are not accessible.
Daraz Pakistan held its inaugural national conference for its e-pharmacy platform, featuring pharmaceutical company leaders, healthcare entrepreneurs, pharmacists, and other stakeholders discussing digital healthcare trends and developments in Pakistan.
The significance of this event lies in Daraz Pakistan’s intent to expand beyond merely unveiling its newly launched e-pharmacy offerings. Instead, the firm aims to initiate discussions and set the agenda for the entire industry concerning the adoption of digital healthcare technologies.
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Under this year's conference program, Daraz has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 10 prominent pharmaceutical companies. The MoUs cover cooperation on key topics such as medication verification, e-accessibility, and proper fulfillment practices. This move indicates that Daraz is establishing structured partnerships with pharmaceutical companies beyond traditional vendor partnerships.
The agreement with pharmaceutical partners marks Daraz’s third major initiative in recent times aimed at enhancing consumer trust in online pharmacies.
Managing Director of Daraz Pakistan, Ben Yi noted, "Customers need to get authentic medicines without any hassle but at the same time with the professionalism and standards that one expects from a pharmacy." He continued, saying "With our e-pharmacy, we have created a credible experience in the digital space with qualified pharmacists, reputable pharmaceutical brands and our own logistics capability."