Core Viewpoint - There is a significant price discrepancy between online and offline pharmacies for the same medications, with some prices being more than three times higher in physical stores compared to online platforms [1][2][5]. Group 1: Price Discrepancy - A survey of ten pharmacies revealed that the same medication can have a price difference of over three times between online and offline sales [1][6]. - For example, the "仁和" artificial cow bile metronidazole capsules cost 8.68 yuan online but 32 yuan offline, resulting in a difference of 23.32 yuan [1][6]. - Other examples include "可益甘" artificial cow bile metronidazole capsules priced at 5.8 yuan online and 15.8 yuan offline, and "百多邦" mupirocin ointment at 19.2 yuan online versus 23.2 yuan offline [5][6]. Group 2: Reasons for Price Differences - Pharmacy staff indicated that online prices are often lower due to platform subsidies, although not all medications follow this trend [2][9]. - Consumers have the option to choose between online and offline purchases based on their preferences, but online shopping may incur additional delivery fees [2][9]. - Legal experts noted that the price difference alone does not constitute price fraud; it must be assessed in the context of whether the pharmacy transparently communicates the reasons for the price difference [11][12]. Group 3: Regulatory Responses - The National Medical Insurance Administration has issued directives to compare offline pharmacy prices with online platforms to address unreasonable pricing [10]. - Local regulations have been established, such as in Shaanxi Province, where offline prices cannot exceed 20% of the online price displayed by the same pharmacy [10]. - Zhejiang Province has mandated that online prices should not exceed 1.3 times the listed price, emphasizing the need for price consistency across different sales channels [10].

Core Insights - There is a significant price discrepancy between online and offline sales of the same medication, with some offline prices being over three times higher than online prices [1] - The price differences are attributed to subsidies provided by online platforms, although not all medications follow this trend [1] - Regulatory measures have been implemented to ensure that offline prices do not exceed a certain percentage above online prices, promoting price consistency [1] Group 1 - The price of "Renhe" artificial cow bile capsules (12 capsules * 2 packs) at a physical store is 32 yuan, while the online price is only 8.68 yuan, resulting in a price difference of 23.32 yuan [1] - Staff from various pharmacies indicated that the lower online prices are due to platform subsidies, and consumers have the option to choose based on their needs [1] - There are policies in place requiring that the offline retail prices of medications be compared with online prices, and any significant discrepancies should prompt adjustments by pharmaceutical companies [1] Group 2 - Some local regulations mandate that the offline sales price at designated pharmacies should not exceed 20% above the price displayed on online platforms [1] - The presence of minimum order requirements for online purchases can offset the perceived savings from online shopping [1] - The overall trend indicates a growing scrutiny of pricing practices in the pharmaceutical retail sector, aiming to protect consumer interests [1]