DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, SCHOOL OF

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, PLATEAU

STATE POLYTECHNIC BARKIN LADI.

TITLE

PROJECT ON DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE

MEDICINE ORDERING SYSTEM

BY

BALOGUN OLAMIDOTUN

PSP/ICT/CSC/ND/21/1230

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

(ND II COMPUTER SCIENCE)

SUPERVISOR

MRS. MARIYLN MODUPE

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................3
1.1 Background of the Study.........................................................................3
1.2 Statement of the Problem.........................................................................4
1.3 Aim and Objectives..................................................................................5
1.4 Scope and Limitation of the Study...........................................................5
1.5 Justification of the Study........................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO..................................................................................................7
2.0 Literature Review........................................................................................7
2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................7
2.2 Overview of Existing Systems.................................................................8
2.3 Challenges in Adapting Existing Systems to Nigeria............................10
2.4 Online Medicine Ordering Systems in Nigeria......................................11
2.5 Trust and Counterfeit Issues...................................................................12
2.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Existing Systems............................12
2.6 Disadvantages:.......................................................................................13
2.7 Key Factors Influencing System Design...............................................14
2.7 Legal and Regulatory Framework..........................................................15
1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

An online medicine delivery system is an online based web application that

operates over the Internet and sends orders to customers through credit cards,

shipping companies, or pay on delivery system. People can buy and sell their

products sitting at home. It is getting popular day by day all over the world even in

domestic market space. The aim is to make the ordering process and delivery

systems of medicines much easier and customer-friendly. It’s very important to

make a user friendly environment

The current era can be identified as the age of internet, where manual, conventional

and time-consuming business tasks are performed over internet-based applications.

The age of internet caused the paradigm shift of many conventional industries from

brick and mortar to click and mortar. Similarly, the concept of E Pharmacy started

to emerge the internet-based version of retail pharmacy which was later identified

to be a good solution for the inefficiencies of the conventional retail pharmacy

This project seeks to reduce the barrier in accessing drugs in rural area, where there

are no pharmacies or scarcity of pharmacies and transportation networks are

underdeveloped. it also seek to create a medium where users can have access to

limited varieties of medicine via the web through their mobile devices.
The design of this system aims to reduce the traditional approach to obtaining

medicines in Nigeria, where individual have to visit physical pharmacies, many of

which are concentrated in urban centers. For people living in rural regions, this

often means traveling long distances, sometimes crossing multiple towns, to

purchase necessary medications. This delay can have serious health implications,

especially for patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, or

asthma who need regular access to prescription drugs. Furthermore, the presence of

counterfeit drugs in Nigeria's pharmaceutical market compounds the issue, as

patients in remote areas may encounter unlicensed sellers or substandard

medications.

Online medicine shopping is a form of electronic shopping store where the buyer is

directly online to the seller’s computer usually via the internet. There is no

intermediary service. The sales and purchases transaction is completed

electronically and interactively in real-time. The development of this new system

contains the activities which try to develop on-line application by keeping the

entire process in the view of database integration approach.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In many regions, particularly rural areas, access to medications is limited by

logistical challenges, including long distances to pharmacies, lack of

transportation, and the unavailability of medicines. This project seeks to address

these issues by designing an online system that connects users to local pharmacies,

allowing them to order medicines and have them delivered to their location

efficiently.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

Aim

To design and implement an online medicine ordering system.

Objectives:

1. To design an efficient online platform for ordering medicines.

2. To implement a secure and user-friendly system for patients, pharmacies,

and healthcare providers.

3. To evaluate the effectiveness of the system in improving accessibility,

convenience, and medication adherence.

1.4 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope of the Study

1. Online platform development (web)

2. Pharmacy and healthcare provider integration.

3. Order management and logistics.

Limitation of the study

This study is limited to medicine available in licensed pharmaceutical store in

Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi Medicals

1.5 Justification of the Study

This project is significant because it addresses the critical issue of medicine

accessibility in Nigeria, particularly for rural and underserved populations. By

implementing an online medicine delivery system, the project seeks to:

 Reduce the barriers to obtaining essential medicines, especially for patients

in remote areas who cannot easily access pharmacies.

 The study will improved accessibility to medicines, enhanced patient

convenience, Increased medication adherence and reduced healthcare costs

 Provide a convenient and efficient platform for ordering and delivering

medications, thus saving patients time and travel costs.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction
pharmaceutical sales have reached more than nearly $50 billion. This is a dramatic

increase when compared to the $1.9 billion in 1999. At the click of the mouse,

medications can be ordered and delivered conveniently to your door. Internet has

evolved into a self-organizing media, capable of multiple interactions within

Anand, A., Sethi, et al proposed a large number of consumer products including

drugs are being advertised and sold over the Internet.

The most important objective of online remedy ordering gadget is to automate the

existing manual system with the assist of increase automated software so, that

treasured statistics can be stored for longer period with clean having access to and

manipulation of the identical. The registered user can get admission to the account

with valid credentials. User can surf the drugs gadgets consistent with classes, Cart

and online charge options are available to user. User can tune their

orders with the medicine info. In Online medicine Ordering System

Admin can deal with the functionalities like add new medicinal drug objects,

edit/delete medication items, Enable/Disable the medicine objects in line with

availability and their expiry dates. Admin have authority to view order details and
update the transport popularity of medicines. The fee transaction and consumer

information are also viewable to admin

This system propose an authentication scheme in which users can be authenticated

anonymously so long as times that they are authenticated is within an allowable

number. The proposed scheme has two features that allow

No one, not even an authority, identify users who have been authenticated within

the allowable number, and that allow anyone to trace, without help from the

authority, dishonest users who have been authenticated beyond the allowable

number by using the records of these authentications.

2.2 Overview of Existing Systems

Online medicine ordering systems have gained popularity in many parts of the

world due to their convenience and ability to streamline access to medications.

Globally, systems like NetMeds and PharmEasy (India), CVS Pharmacy (USA),

and LloydsPharmacy (UK) are well-known for their user-friendly interfaces and

comprehensive services. These platforms allow customers to order both

prescription and over-the-counter medications, upload prescriptions for

verification, and track deliveries. Their development has significantly improved the

accessibility of healthcare services, particularly in urban and semi-urban settings.

NetMeds and PharmEasy, for example, have a large customer base in India due to

the convenience they offer in handling prescriptions online, managing refills, and

ensuring that customers have access to critical medications. These platforms offer

discounts, ensure timely deliveries, and integrate various pharmaceutical products,

including diagnostic services.

The implementation of an online can be identified as a solution for the

inconveniences, mismanagements and flaws involved in the ‘brick and mortar’

retail pharmacy process. (Keralli, 2018). A study identifies that a transparent E

Pharmacy process model allows both customers and pharmacist to perform

operation in an effective and uninterrupted manner. (Ashita S. Patil, 2019)

According to the study by Abhishek S Keralli, three major components are found

to be in a E Pharmacy application. A web based or mobile based application which

submits orders and prescriptions, a process which involves a registered pharmacist

to verify the prescription and a mechanism to forward prescription to pharmacy

store from where the items will be dispensed (Keralli, 2018).

Alamelu R, et al proposed that Online pharma retail is promising/ unpromising

avenue: In this era of science and technology, computer plays an important role in

community. Today, computer is so ubiquitous in pharmaceutical research and

development. The advent of the internet has had a significant impact on the
formation of an information-driven, rapid-paced society. The number of internet

users reached 150 million in only five years compared to 13 years for television

and 38 years for radio. Consumer expectation for access ,convenience, and speed

has made the cyberspace superhighway a medium for knowledge exchange and for

e-commerce. The internet offers a wide variety of health services and products to

healthcare professionals as well as to the public. Online

However, existing systems in developed countries operate under strict regulatory

frameworks, ensuring that customers receive genuine medicines, proper

prescriptions are verified, and data privacy is maintained. In contrast, similar

services in developing countries, particularly Nigeria, are still nascent, and their

adoption is limited by factors such as infrastructure, regulatory enforcement, and

economic disparities.

2.3 Challenges in Adapting Existing Systems to Nigeria

One of the biggest challenges facing the adoption of online medicine ordering

systems in Nigeria is the lack of infrastructure. A study by Eze (2020) highlights

that only about 30% of Nigerian pharmacies offer any form of online services, and

most are located in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. As a

result, rural areas, where the majority of the population resides, are underserved.
The lack of internet penetration, unreliable electricity, and inadequate delivery

logistics also make it difficult to implement an efficient system nationwide.

2.4 Online Medicine Ordering Systems in Nigeria

In Nigeria, there are a few platforms attempting to provide online medicine

ordering services. Platforms like HealthPlus and DrugStoc have begun offering

limited forms of online medicine purchasing, mainly for customers in urban areas.

However, these platforms struggle with issues such as logistics for last-mile

delivery in rural areas, low user trust, and the high incidence of counterfeit drugs in

the Nigerian market.

Research by Oyebanji (2018) indicates, consumers are reluctant to use online

services due to fears of receiving substandard or counterfeit drugs. Additionally,

many rural users lack the digital literacy necessary to navigate these platforms

effectively. Hence, while these systems exist, they cater primarily to affluent urban

customers, leaving a significant portion of the Nigerian population underserved.

Furthermore, platforms in Nigeria have not yet fully integrated with healthcare

professionals such as pharmacists and doctors. Ojo (2019) suggests that the lack of

a seamless connection between doctors, pharmacies, and patients in Nigeria means

that the prescription process is still largely manual, which complicates the adoption

of e-pharmacy solutions.
2.5 Trust and Counterfeit Issues

The Nigerian pharmaceutical sector is plagued with the problem of counterfeit

drugs, which accounts for a significant portion of medicines in circulation.

According to NAFDAC (2020), up to 17% of drugs in Nigeria are counterfeit. This

is a critical factor affecting user adoption of online systems. Users are often

hesitant to order medicines online due to the fear that they may receive fake drugs.

To mitigate this issue, the proposed system will integrate a strong verification

process, ensuring that only certified pharmacies are listed on the platform.

Additionally, the platform will collaborate closely with regulatory bodies like

NAFDAC to ensure that only verified products are sold through the system.

2.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Existing Systems

Advantages:

1. Convenience: Online ordering allows customers to place orders from

anywhere, eliminating the need to physically visit a pharmacy. This is

particularly helpful for patients with chronic illnesses who need regular

refills or individuals who have mobility constraints.

 2. 24/7 Availability: Unlike physical pharmacies that operate during specific

hours, online platforms are available round the clock, providing access to

essential medications at any time.

3. Access to a Wide Range of Medicines: Many pharmacies, especially those

in rural areas, may not stock a wide variety of medicines. Online systems

offer a broader catalog, allowing customers to find specific or rare drugs.

4. Cost Savings: Online pharmacies often offer discounts and deals that may

not be available in physical pharmacies, giving consumers a financial

incentive to use these platforms.

2.6 Disadvantages:

1. Delivery Delays: In regions with poor road infrastructure, delivery times can

be unpredictable, causing delays in receiving essential medications.

2. Prescription Verification: Many online systems require users to upload

prescriptions, but the verification process is not always well-regulated. This

can result in the misuse of prescription drugs or errors in dispensing

medication.

3. Counterfeit Medications: The lack of stringent regulatory oversight in

some regions increases the risk of counterfeit drugs being sold through

online platforms, eroding user trust.

 4. Digital Divide: A significant portion of the population in Nigeria lacks

access to reliable internet services or smartphones, making it difficult for

them to use online systems.

2.7 Key Factors Influencing System Design

Cultural Factors:

Cultural beliefs in Nigeria deeply influence healthcare choices. In many rural

areas, traditional medicine remains the preferred choice of treatment, which creates

resistance to modern pharmaceutical methods, including online ordering systems.

Adesina (2019) found that a large portion of rural dwellers trust herbal remedies

more than pharmaceutical products, especially for non-life-threatening ailments.

As a result, the adoption of online platforms for medicine ordering faces significant

cultural resistance.

To overcome this, the system design needs to emphasize trust-building features

such as detailed information about the medicines, clear explanations of their uses,

and certifications from trusted bodies like NAFDAC.

Economic Factors

The economic status of consumers also affects their access to medicine. Alemika

(2020) reports that poverty limits the ability of many Nigerians to afford essential
medicines, let alone cover delivery costs. The proposed system must therefore

explore options like tiered pricing, partnerships with government health initiatives,

and perhaps installment payment plans for more expensive medications.

Technological Factors:

Low internet penetration in rural areas remains a significant barrier. Eze (2020)

highlights that only 42% of Nigerians have access to reliable internet, with much

of that being concentrated in urban areas. This poses a challenge for developing an

online platform that will be widely accessible.

The proposed system will need to be optimized for low bandwidth environments,

with features that allow for offline ordering that syncs once an internet connection

is established. Moreover, a mobile-first approach is essential, as most users in

Nigeria access the internet via their smartphones.

2.7 Legal and Regulatory Framework

The sale of pharmaceuticals in Nigeria is regulated by NAFDAC (National

Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control), which is responsible

for ensuring that only safe, high-quality medicines are sold to the public. However,

Nigeria currently lacks specific regulations governing online pharmacies, leaving

the industry in a legal grey area.

Okoro (2020) argues that the absence of clear guidelines on the verification of

online prescriptions and sales of medicines hampers the growth of e-pharmacy

platforms. Without legal protection, both consumers and pharmacies remain

vulnerable to malpractice, such as the unauthorized sale of prescription medicines.

This legal gap will need to be addressed for online medicine ordering systems to

thrive. Therefore, any successful platform must strictly adhere to existing

pharmaceutical laws while advocating for the introduction of comprehensive e-

pharmacy regulations.