DDCDA devises strategies to differentiate their service with improved customer experience
| Dharwad District Chemists & Druggists Association (DDCDA) is devising strategies to differentiate their service with improved customer experience. These span attention to details like patient education to manage their medication, ensure fair business practices in pricing and dispensing medicines efficiently among others. In its golden jubilee year, Ravindra Bhusnur, president, DDCDA and senior vice president, Karnataka Pharma Retailers & Distributors Organization (KPRDO), said that in an effort to offset challenges of cut-throat competition from e-pharmacies and pharmacy chain stores, we need to enhance our presence to ensure patients flock to us. To this end, we are working to engage in health awareness programs, support local initiatives, and regularly interact with the pharmacist fraternity to understand the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. It is crucial in a competitive environment to contribute to a positive public perception by staying updated with the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals, and healthcare regulations to keep ourselves and our members of the DDCDA informed, said Bhusnur. Hence concerted efforts are being made by our pharmacy trade outlet fraternity to garner the trust of its customers with medication advice, ensuring easy availability of medicines, and if there is a drug shortage, sourcing it in a time bound manner from any other store where it is obtainable. Another offering is to provide blood pressure and diabetic testing besides weight and height measure at the outlets. This has been recognised by the consumer or patient giving an added attention to detail with concern and compassion, Bhusnur told Pharmabiz. “We are the first chemists & druggists association to complete 50 years in the history of Karnataka pharmacy trade fraternity. At an event to celebrate the golden jubilee year at Dharward had the presence of former and present Karnataka drugs control department chiefs including Dr BR Jagashetty, BT Khanapure, Amaresh Tumbagi, , among others, he added. Stating that issues of mushrooming of e-pharmacies, selling lifesaving medicines through internet, allowing medicine purchase online, which is unlawful and not legal by practice are a huge threat, along with the need for strict action against online sale of drugs by Janaushadhi outlets, Bhusnur noted that all these were highlighted by its parent body Karnataka Pharma Retailers & Distributors Organization led by C Jayaram who is also pressing to ensure preventing entry of non-pharmacists in retail pharmacies. “The role of association in days to come will be challenging. Hence technology implementation is needed to further improve efficiency and competitiveness. This includes adopting modern inventory management systems, online sales platforms, and other digital tools, Bhusnur said. |
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