• Published on: Jul 14, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Raj Dwivedi

Telemedicine, COVID-19 And Liver Diseases

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  • For liver diseases, there have been successful experiences with the use of different modalities of telemedicine [i.e. asynchronous telemedicine (analysis of patient's data by a single physician or multidisciplinary team), synchronous real-time patient management and tele-education]
  • Our Telemedicine program showed successful results as the sustained virologic responses achieved by those patients treated in primary care settings under the expert guidance.
  • Currently, this type of care is considered a vital tool for the goal of global elimination of HCV infection.In addition to HCV management, telemedicine offers opportunities for a better management of patients with chronic liver diseases by increasing their access to tertiary care, thus improving efficiency of healthcare delivery at reasonable cost .
  •  We forsee expansion of telemedicine into other areas of hepatology is desirable and hold potential for improving management of pre- and post-liver transplant patients, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and patients with both compensated and decompensated cirrhosis.
  • It is important to note that in liver transplant setting existing data suggest that use of telemedicine may expedite evaluation and listing of patients referred to liver transplant centers and could improve outcomes (hospital readmissions, and quality of life) after liver transplantation.
  • In the case of HCC, telemedicine aslo offers the possibility of multidisciplinary evaluation in virtual tumor boards leading to tailored and more effective treatments . Finally, in cirrhosis, telemedicine may enhance self-care and facilitate HCC surveillance eventually preventing readmissions in recently hospitalized patients.
  • With the onset of COVID-19 pandemic everyone has forced the implementation of telemedicine actions for many liver patients.
  • Major international societies have released recommendations encouraging the use of remote care to manage patients with all liver diseases, particularly liver transplant patients.
  • However, the crisis will seriously impact cirrhosis care with social distancing and isolation causing major delays in elective procedures and routine care with potential overwhelm of medical centers managing postponed and potentially decompensated patients in the upcoming months.
  • Developing robust telemedicine programs and revamping remote care initiatives in hepatology will be critical during COVID times. The next challenge will be how to integrate telemedicine into routine clinical care beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Digital Pharmacy Platforms India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Medicine Access Through Technology

Digital Pharmacy Platforms India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Medicine Access Through Technology

India’s healthcare system is rapidly digitizing, and one of the most impactful innovations is the rise of digital pharmacy platforms. These platforms make it easier for people to order medicines online, manage prescriptions, and access healthcare services without visiting a physical store.

As chronic diseases, online consultations, and digital health records become more common, digital pharmacy solutions are now a vital part of India's healthcare infrastructure. SecondMedic plays a key role in this evolution by providing secure, fast, and integrated digital pharmacy services.

What Are Digital Pharmacy Platforms?

Digital pharmacy platforms are online systems that allow users to:

  • Order prescription medicines

  • Upload or sync digital prescriptions

  • Schedule refills

  • Purchase OTC products

  • Track orders

  • Access pharmacist support
     

Instead of visiting a traditional pharmacy, users can manage medication needs from anywhere in India.

Why Digital Pharmacies Matter in India

India sees high demand for medicines due to:

  • Rising chronic diseases

  • Aging population

  • Urban mobility challenges

  • Increasing telemedicine adoption

  • Growing digital health awareness
     

Digital pharmacies bridge the gap between medical consultation and medication access.

Key Benefits of Digital Pharmacy Platforms

1. Convenience and Accessibility

Patients can order medicines anytime, especially helpful for elderly individuals or those living in remote areas.

2. Time and Cost Savings

Digital ordering eliminates long queues, multiple store visits, and pricing uncertainties.

3. Verified, Authentic Medicines

Reputed platforms ensure drugs come from licensed pharmacies with full batch traceability.

4. E-Prescription Integration

Digital prescriptions reduce manual errors and support seamless ordering.

5. Chronic Disease Medication Management

Automated refill reminders and scheduled deliveries help maintain treatment consistency.

6. Privacy and Discretion

Useful for sensitive medication categories where users may prefer confidential ordering.

The Growing Digital Pharmacy Market in India

According to Statista 2025:

  • The Indian e-pharmacy market is expected to reach USD 10 billion by 2027.

  • Nearly 35 percent of urban households now use digital pharmacy services.

  • Chronic disease patients are the largest user segment.
     

Government initiatives like ABDM also promote secure and standardized digital prescriptions.

SecondMedic’s Digital Pharmacy Ecosystem

SecondMedic integrates pharmacy services seamlessly within its broader digital health platform.

1. Online Medicine Ordering

Users can order medicines directly through the SecondMedic app or website.

2. E-Prescription Sync

Prescriptions from SecondMedic doctors sync automatically, reducing errors and delays.

3. Verified Inventory

All medicines are sourced from certified pharmacies with temperature-controlled storage and valid expiry cycles.

4. Chronic Care Refill System

For diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and cardiac conditions, patients can schedule monthly refills.

5. Real-Time Tracking

Users get live updates on order status, dispatch, and delivery.

6. Secure Payment Gateway

Digital payments are supported through encrypted channels, ensuring safety and transparency.

7. Integration with Medical Consultations

After virtual consultations, prescribed medicines can be ordered instantly on the same platform.

How Digital Pharmacy Platforms Support Telemedicine

Telemedicine has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare. Digital pharmacies complement this by:

  • Enabling immediate access to prescribed medicines

  • Ensuring continuity of care

  • Reducing patient dependency on physical pharmacies

  • Streamlining doctor-to-pharmacy communication
     

Together, they create an efficient, patient-centered care loop.

Challenges in India’s Pharmacy System and How Digital Platforms Solve Them

1. Fragmented Pharmaceutical Distribution

Digital systems bring transparency and accountability.

2. Prescription Mismanagement

E-prescriptions minimize errors and duplication.

3. Limited Accessibility in Rural Areas

Digital ordering delivers medicines directly to underserved regions.

4. Inconsistent Medicine Availability

Real-time inventory ensures availability and alternatives.

5. Lack of Patient Awareness

Digital platforms offer information on dosage, interactions, and side effects.

Regulatory Framework for Digital Pharmacies in India

To ensure safety and compliance, digital pharmacies follow:

  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940)

  • Pharmacy Practice Regulations

  • ABDM standards for digital prescriptions

  • DPDP Act for data security

  • CDSCO guidelines for online pharmacies
     

SecondMedic maintains full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Future of Digital Pharmacy in India

The sector is expected to grow due to:

  • AI-based medicine recommendations

  • Smart refill systems

  • Blockchain for supply chain verification

  • Automated pharmacy logistics

  • Drone-based delivery pilots in some states
     

SecondMedic is actively building tools to support next-generation pharmacy automation and integrated digital care.

Why Patients Trust SecondMedic’s Pharmacy System

  1. Authentic and verified medicines

  2. Transparent pricing and secure payments

  3. Direct connection with healthcare consultations

  4. Support for chronic care medication

  5. Nationwide delivery capability

  6. User-friendly ordering process

  7. Compliance with all digital health safety standards
     

SecondMedic brings reliability, convenience, and safety under one unified digital healthcare platform.

Conclusion

Digital pharmacy platforms are redefining how India accesses medicines. They improve convenience, enhance safety, support telemedicine, and empower patients to manage chronic conditions more effectively. SecondMedic’s digital pharmacy provides an integrated solution that combines e-prescriptions, secure ordering, and nationwide delivery to simplify healthcare access.

To order medicines or explore digital pharmacy services, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

  1. Statista – India E-Pharmacy Market Outlook 2025

  2. IMARC Group – Digital Healthcare Market India 2025

  3. NITI Aayog – Digital Health Tech Landscape 2024

  4. ABDM – Digital Prescription Guidelines

  5. FICCI – Healthcare Innovation Report 2024

See all

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