零售药店将在健康教育、专业便民多领域发挥社会价值 为百姓提供健康服务

Core Viewpoint - The recent release of the "Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of the Pharmaceutical Retail Industry" aims to enhance the professional services and emergency supply capabilities of the pharmaceutical retail sector, promoting its professionalization, intensification, digitalization, and standardization [1]. Group 1: Key Measures - The "Opinions" propose five key measures to transition the pharmaceutical retail industry from traditional drug sales to comprehensive health services, enhancing the health service function of retail pharmacies and optimizing the product and service experience [3]. - There is an emphasis on strengthening the service capabilities of retail pharmacies in emergency supply situations, ensuring drug availability and guidance during emergencies [3]. - The document encourages the integration of wholesale and retail operations, optimizing the pharmaceutical marketing system and developing smart regulation [3]. Group 2: Health Management Services - The document encourages pharmaceutical retail enterprises to expand health management services such as medication guidance and health consultations in compliance with regulations, leveraging digitalization and intelligence to enhance health service experiences [5]. - Retail pharmacies are encouraged to provide health services tailored to local residents and manage medication adherence for patients with chronic diseases [5]. Group 3: Pricing and Procurement - To address consumer concerns regarding price discrepancies between online and offline channels, as well as between hospitals and pharmacies, the "Opinions" promote the active participation of retail enterprises in centralized drug procurement [7]. - Retail pharmacies are encouraged to consolidate procurement demands and engage in joint purchasing to enhance bargaining power, ultimately making medications more affordable for consumers [7]. Group 4: Market Growth - During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China's pharmaceutical distribution market is expected to expand, with annual sales projected to grow from 2.41 trillion yuan in 2020 to 2.95 trillion yuan in 2024, representing a 22.4% increase [10]. - Chain pharmacies and pharmaceutical e-commerce platforms are actively expanding into health management, specialty drug services, patient education consultations, and 24-hour medication purchasing and consultation services [10]. Group 5: Future Role of Retail Pharmacies - In the future, retail pharmacies are expected to play a greater social value in health education, professional services, and convenience services, providing better health services to the public [12].