Estonia is exploring the possibility of delivering over-the-counter medicines via courier services like Bolt and Wolt, mirroring a trend already established in neighboring Latvia and Lithuania. Several ministries are collaborating with the delivery companies to assess the feasibility of this service.
Expanding Access to Medicines
Consumer surveys conducted by Bolt and Wolt indicate a demand for quicker access to pharmacy products, particularly over-the-counter medications. Olari Püvi, head of the innovation program Accelerate Estonia, stated the goal is “to find a solution that allows these medicines to be delivered quickly and safely.”
According to Nele Labi, deputy secretary general of the Ministry of Social Affairs, improved access to over-the-counter medicines could benefit public health by reducing the spread of infections, as individuals would be less likely to visit pharmacies while sick.
Potential Benefits Beyond Convenience
Labi also suggested that 24-hour access to over-the-counter medications could reduce unnecessary stockpiling of medicine at home and potentially lessen the strain on emergency medical services. The possibility of extending this service to prescription medications is also being considered, should the initial rollout prove successful.
Accelerate Estonia is simultaneously analyzing the potential for self-service pharmacy options. Improving rapid access to essential medicines is seen as a way to alleviate pressure on emergency rooms and ambulance services.
Current Estonian regulations, specifically the Medicinal Products Act, present obstacles to implementing real-time courier services for medicines. The Ministry of Economic Affairs noted that existing laws do not fully address the demands of this faster delivery model.
Jaagup Jalakas, head of Bolt Food Estonia, affirmed the company’s readiness to provide fast and safe access to over-the-counter medicines in collaboration with pharmacies across the 12 Estonian cities where Bolt Food currently operates. Mantas Lomsargas, head of Wolt in the Baltics, described the service as a “natural step” in the company’s development.
What’s Next?
Based on the ongoing analysis conducted by both public and private sector partners, concrete proposals for pilot projects and potential legislative changes are expected. This is not the first time the idea has been discussed in Estonia, but previous attempts faced resistance from politicians and pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medicine delivery currently legal in Estonia?
Distance selling of over-the-counter medicines is permitted in Estonia, but current regulations do not fully accommodate the speed of courier services.
Which companies are involved in exploring this service?
Bolt and Wolt are working with several ministries, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Social Affairs, to analyze the feasibility of medicine delivery.
Could this service eventually include prescription medications?
The Ministry of Social Affairs hopes that if courier delivery of over-the-counter medicines proves successful, it could be extended to prescription medications in the future.
As Estonia weighs the benefits and challenges of this new delivery model, will the potential for increased access to essential medicines outweigh existing regulatory hurdles?
