Core Viewpoint - The public is advised not to self-purchase or use prescription drugs without a doctor's diagnosis and prescription, emphasizing the importance of following medical guidance for safe medication use [1][2]. Group 1: Prescription Drugs - Prescription drugs are defined as medications that require a doctor's prescription for purchase and use, including injectables, antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antidiabetics [1]. - The risks associated with prescription drugs are significantly higher, and improper use can lead to severe adverse reactions or drug dependence [1][2]. - It is crucial to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, method, and duration of treatment as indicated on the prescription [1][2]. Group 2: Over-the-Counter Drugs - Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are categorized into two types based on safety: Class A (red) and Class B (green) [2]. - Class A OTC drugs must be purchased under the guidance of a pharmacist, while Class B OTC drugs are relatively safer and can be bought in pharmacies, supermarkets, or convenience stores [2]. - Users are advised to carefully read the medication instructions to understand indications, contraindications, and proper usage before taking any OTC drugs [2].

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].

Core Viewpoint - The recent draft regulation from a local market supervision administration regarding the management of self-service medicine dispensing machines has sparked significant discussion within the industry, particularly concerning the potential for unfair competition with traditional pharmacies due to lower operational costs associated with these machines [1] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The draft regulation proposes that self-service machines will be allowed to dispense prescription medications and Class A non-prescription drugs [1] - The document is currently in the internal consultation phase and is not publicly available, limiting further commentary from the market supervision administration [1] Group 2: Industry Concerns - Multiple brick-and-mortar pharmacies have expressed concerns that e-commerce platforms may leverage self-service machines to sell prescription drugs at lower costs, creating an uneven playing field [1] - Traditional pharmacies face significant operational costs, with an estimated monthly labor cost of nearly 20,000 yuan per store, while a single self-service machine incurs an annual operating cost of only a few thousand yuan [1] - The absence of a pharmacist on-site for prescription verification raises safety concerns regarding medication use [1]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of self-service medicine dispensing machines is causing significant concern among traditional pharmacy owners, as these machines can potentially sell prescription drugs without the need for licensed pharmacists, leading to competitive disadvantages for brick-and-mortar stores [1][11][14]. Summary by Relevant Sections Self-Service Machines and Regulations - A draft regulation in A City allows self-service machines to dispense prescription and Class A non-prescription drugs, raising alarms among pharmacy owners about competition from e-commerce platforms [1][11]. - The self-service machines can operate at a fraction of the cost of traditional pharmacies, with estimates suggesting annual operating costs of only a few thousand yuan compared to nearly 20,000 yuan for a single pharmacy's labor costs [1][18]. Market Dynamics and Competition - The self-service machines are seen as a threat to traditional pharmacies, which are already struggling with high operational costs, including rent and staffing [22][25]. - The ability to set up multiple machines quickly and at low cost gives e-commerce platforms a significant advantage over traditional pharmacies, which require substantial investment to open new locations [23][26]. Safety and Regulatory Concerns - Experts express concerns about the safety of dispensing prescription drugs without the oversight of licensed pharmacists, as the machines could bypass necessary checks and balances [11][14][17]. - Current regulations in other cities, like Beijing, restrict self-service machines to non-prescription drugs, highlighting the need for careful consideration of safety and compliance [10][11]. Financial Viability of Self-Service Machines - Some pharmacy owners have attempted to implement self-service machines but found them unprofitable, with revenues failing to cover costs associated with the machines [26][27]. - The high initial investment and ongoing operational costs of self-service machines make them less appealing compared to traditional staffing solutions in densely populated areas [31]. Future Implications for the Industry - If the self-service machine model proves successful in A City, it could significantly disrupt the traditional retail pharmacy landscape, making it difficult for them to compete [24][25]. - The industry must find a balance between innovation and safety, ensuring that the introduction of self-service machines does not compromise patient care [25][31].