Metaverse is the future of technology, where the integration between the physical and digital worlds will be more seamless than ever. 

Metaverse describes a virtual reality space that combines aspects of the physical world. People can access these virtual worlds through a virtual reality (VR) headset, which operates through controllers, eye movements and voice commands. 

Since the popularization of the concept of metaverse, many companies have hopped on the bandwagon. So it’s a no-brainer that pharmacy businesses would also adapt themselves to the metaverse front. How’s the pharmacy metaverse different from our existing pharmacy services, and what would our future look like?

Metaverse Pharmacy 

In many ways, the metaverse is similar to immersive video games such as Fortnite, The Sims or Roblox. Think of metaverse as these simulated social spaces, except it closely resembles your unique real-life scenarios. Metaverse allows you to buy or sell goods and interact with people around you by creating a physical sensation of actually being there.

Metaverse pharmacy describes pharmacy businesses that are concocted into the metaverse space. You can do everything from purchasing over-the-counter products to consulting a pharmacist from the comfort of your own space. This eliminates the need to travel out of your way to meet a healthcare provider. 

At the moment, the idea of metaverse is still under development and has yet to achieve widespread cooperation. Nevertheless, many companies have already invested in building immersive metaverse experiences such as virtual fashion shows or live concerts. In fact, the world’s first metaverse pharmacy is under development in Decentraland*. 

* iMining Technologies, in parternationship with the manager of the “Pharmacy Group”, have announced the development of digital and metaverse-related technology.

Metaverse Pharmacy vs. Online Pharmacy 

The role of pharmacists is evolving rapidly worldwide due to technological advancements and varying patient preferences. A larger number of patients prefer online consultation compared to face-to-face visits to the pharmacy these days. Therefore, the emergence of online pharmacy platforms helps promote pharmacist-customer interaction and improve medication adherence.

Online pharmacy, or “e-pharmacy”, describes an e-commerce pharmacy business platform that allows customers to place and receive orders through mail services. On the other hand, pharmacy metaverse is a more personalized extension of online pharmacies. 

Patients can book appointments with licensed pharmacists to consult regarding their medical concerns. Additionally, patients can set up automatic prescription refill reminders, which will consequently be delivered directly to their homes.

Limitations of Metaverse Pharmacy 

The concept of metaverse, let alone metaverse pharmacy, is a fuzz to many. Therefore, we can expect initial resistance to metaverse pharmacy. This could be mainly contributable to a lack of information and substantial unfamiliarity. 

Moreover, the question of patient privacy and confidentiality will become a more significant concern. Metaverse pharmacy will fully operate online and exist in the digital realm. That being so, hacking issues or security breaches may become more rampant. Sensitive information such as patient details and company information will be placed at stake without proper online security measures. 

Finally, the accessibility to pharmacy metaverse may be a problem because not everyone has a stable internet connection. Even recently, in 2020, those in rural areas of Sabah struggled with poor internet connectivity*. Taking this into consideration, metaverse pharmacy could further increase the gap between the haves and have-nots.  

* The Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ruddy Awah, reported that the slow internet speed is due to geographical location and lack of services by local internet service providers (ISP). He also added that people in Sabah would need to wait for another 20 years to enjoy uninterrupted internet access.

Bottomline: So What Does This Mean For Our Future?

The metaverse can reinvent the way patients interact with healthcare providers. It complements people’s modern lifestyles and propels us towards a more accessible and convenient healthcare setting. 

However, we’d have to grapple with numerous ethical and moral concerns when integrating metaverse into our healthcare system. And that would take tremendous effort on everyone’s part. 

As consumers or users, the best way to contribute is to stay updated with the current news. Refrain from resisting change, for resistance is the disruption of progress.

References: 

1. Anderson, J., & Rainie, L. (2022). The Metaverse in 2040. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech; Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/06/30/the-metaverse-in-2040/
2. iMining Technologies Inc. (2022). iMining Enters into Agreement for the First-Ever Metaverse Pharmacy to be Launched in Decentraland. Newsfile. Retrieved from https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/117872/iMining-Enters-into-Agreement-for-the-FirstEver-Metaverse-Pharmacy-to-be-Launched-in-Decentraland
3. Mu, P. (2022). Sabah still needs to wait another 20 years to enjoy smooth internet access, says Ruddy. NST Online; New Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/02/770369/sabah-still-needs-wait-another-20-years-enjoy-smooth-internet-access-says
4. Tiga Healthcare Technologies. (2021). Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Pharmacy. Tigahealth.com. Retrieved from https://www.tigahealth.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-e-pharmacy/