一纸文件征求意见 药店老板们睡不着觉了

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of self-service medicine dispensing machines has raised concerns among traditional pharmacy owners about competition and safety, particularly regarding the dispensing of prescription medications [1][9][10]. Summary by Relevant Sections Self-Service Machines and Regulations - A draft regulation in City A allows self-service machines to dispense prescription and Class A non-prescription drugs, causing anxiety among pharmacy owners who fear they cannot compete with the lower operational costs of these machines [1][9]. - The self-service machines can operate with significantly lower costs, estimated at a few thousand yuan annually, compared to the nearly 20,000 yuan monthly labor costs for traditional pharmacies [1][12]. Industry Concerns - Pharmacy owners express worries that self-service machines could lead to unsafe medication practices, as they may bypass the necessary checks by licensed pharmacists [10][11]. - The lack of regulatory clarity on how prescription medications will be dispensed through these machines adds to the uncertainty and fear of potential misuse [9][10]. Cost and Competition - The operational cost disparity between traditional pharmacies and self-service machines is stark, with traditional pharmacies facing high labor and rental costs, while self-service machines require minimal investment [12][17]. - The ability to deploy multiple self-service machines quickly gives them a competitive edge over traditional pharmacies, which require significant investment and time to establish [18][20]. Market Dynamics - The self-service machine model could disrupt the traditional pharmacy market, as it allows e-commerce platforms to dominate both the distribution and sales of medications [22]. - Some pharmacy owners have attempted to implement self-service machines but found them unprofitable due to low sales volumes and high operational costs [21][23]. Future Implications - The potential widespread adoption of self-service machines could render traditional pharmacies less competitive, leading to significant changes in the retail pharmacy landscape [20][27]. - Industry experts suggest that while self-service machines can enhance convenience and efficiency, strict regulations and safety measures must be in place to protect consumers [11][27].