A Study of Factors Influencing Consumer Adoption Of E-Pharmacy Services in Navi Mumbai
Abstract
Digital technology’s explosive growth has completely changed several economic sectors, including pharmaceutical and healthcare. Online ordering and home delivery of medications and health supplies — commonly referred to as e-pharmacy — has emerged as a major advancement in healthcare accessibility. Navi Mumbai, a rapidly urbanizing satellite city of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with an increasingly tech-savvy populace, this study explores the major determinants impacting consumer acceptance of e-pharmacy services. This study examines aspects of awareness, usage behavior, perceived convenience, trust, pricing sensitivity, data security concerns, and future adoption intent using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 respondents from diverse demographic groups, including students, salaried professionals, homemakers, and retirees. A Google Form-based poll was used to gather primary data in March 2026. Key findings reveal that 89% of respondents are aware of e-pharmacy platforms, but only 44% have made a purchase, indicating a sizable awareness-to-conversion gap. The most well-known platforms are PharmEasy (65%) and Apollo Pharmacy Online (55%). The most significant adoption drivers are referrals from friends and family (40%) and social media and television commercials (47%). The most cited obstacles are a preference for in-person pharmacist consultation (51%), difficulty uploading prescriptions (34%), and a lack of confidence in product validity (32%). Although 56% of respondents indicate they are likely to adopt or continue using e-pharmacy services in the future, 46% remain ambivalent, suggesting a moderate level of satisfaction. The report concludes with recommendations for enhancing user experience, trust, and legal frameworks to hasten the adoption of e-pharmacies in Navi Mumbai.