A pharmacy is seen in this undated file photo. Online stores selling medication are becoming ncreasingly popular, especially among those who ive far from a dispensary. (JP)

If you ask your friends or relatives about online pharmacies, they would probably have no idea what you are talking about.

Most people are indeed more familiar with common dispensaries, where they can buy medicines prescribed by physicians. But how do those who live far from a pharmacy get their hands on medication fast?

Online pharmacies in the country have actually been operating since 2000. Two stores opened in the same year: Apotik Tempo, at www.apotik-tempo.com, and Medicastore, at www.medicastore.com. Apotik 2000 was the early name of Apotik Tempo, which changed its name only in 2004. Both were initially set up with slightly different aims, though.

Apotik Tempo aimed to familiarize the public with shopping for medication online; by buying from the website, customers did not have to wait in long queues and face traffic jams on their way to and from dispensaries. In addition, the website also served as a source of information on diseases and as a means by which to introduce new medicines.

According to Apotik Tempo's marketing chief, Bungaran Saing, his online store wished to usher in a new type of pharmacy to help people with their medication needs.

"People would no longer bother about going anywhere to buy their medication," he said.

Meanwhile, Medicastore initially opened its website to give the public information on new medicines and their functions, even planning to make an inventory of all pharmaceuticals in the world as well as new supplements.

Later, some website visitors suggested Medicastore also sell the medicines and supplements they listed information on. With an increase in public demand, Medicastore finally expanded its service to include online sales.

Online membership is available through registration, which automatically enables the customer to make orders. Apotik Tempo and Medicastore offer customers over-the-counter drugs, supplements and prescription medication. For the latter, a doctor's prescription must first be faxed and the original handed over upon delivery.

"That's a control method to find out if the drugs ordered are prescribed," said Nasandi, Medicastore's deputy operation manager.

Nasandi said many customers had attempted to obtain psychotropics online. "They think it's safer to lie by email order. When the medication is delivered and prescriptions asked for, they get nervous. This group of buyers is becoming increasingly easier to identify, usually indicated by the insistence of uncommon types of medication," he added.

Various facilities are available to registered customers, such as latest data on new supplements and health equipment as well as information on diseases and medicines. Both Nasandi and Bungaran guarantee the accuracy of facts and figures on their websites, saying they are compiled by experienced personnel.

Medication is delivered on the same day it is ordered and payments can be made in cash upon delivery or by bank transfer for larger amounts. Patients requiring ongoing medication -- for instance, for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and asthma -- can get special prices but their prescriptions are still required.

For prescription medication, the two online shops only serve customers in Greater Jakarta. Orders for supplements, vitamins and health equipment are accepted from all over Indonesia, on the condition that delivery costs are covered by the customer.

According to Purwantyastuti MSc, a physician and pharmacist, the presence of online pharmacies can help patients obtain their medication, particularly those who do not have family they can rely on to buy them.

"As long as the dispensaries employ pharmacists to control and demand original prescriptions, it's OK," he said.

Despite the facilities offered, profits earned by the online stores are not so great, mainly due to costs involved with obtaining information and getting special webmasters to update the latest data on health and medications.

Yet both Bungaran and Nasandi remain undeterred and insist on pushing forward with their businesses. As more and more people become aware of this shopping alternative, the number of customers both online stores are serving is steadily growing.

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