Vetsure has launched vetsuremeds.com, a VMD-approved online dispensary platform for UK independent veterinary practices that allows practices to retain an income stream that might otherwise be lost to corporate competitors.

The platform allows vets to write prescriptions for medications which clients can buy instantly at the point of care, with delivery to their home later. 

Practices then receive a share of the revenue from medicine sales that have been fulfilled through vetsuremeds.com, mitigating against the losses if practices simply direct clients to the Internet, where there is a strong chance they will end up in the arms of a corporate-owned dispensary. 

VetSurgeon understands that Vetsure is not aiming to compete with the cheapest online dispensaries, but is expecting that clients will be happy to pay a little bit more for the frictionless process which means they don't have to think, the medication will just arrive, and for the knowledge that they are supporting their independent practice. 

In addition, the company highlights that because the prescription is processed at the point of care, vetsuremeds.com eliminates the risk of fraudulent multiple use of prescriptions. 

In terms of revenue to the practice, the system will not completely replace the profit margin on drugs sold in practice, but against that, there is a reduction in the administrative burden and it also mitigates against the risk of clients giving their details to a corporate-owned group which may later decide to open in the local area. 

The platform is rolling out across the Vetsure network in coming weeks and is currently in beta testing, with wider market availability planned later in the year.

Ashley Gray, Managing Director of Vetsure, said: "As a company founded, owned and run by vets, we were driven to act in the face of a rapidly changing marketplace.

"Our mission has always been to champion independent clinics.

"The CMA investigation highlights a very real risk to practice income, particularly when such a significant proportion is tied to medicine sales.

"Vetsuremeds.com enables practices to meet evolving regulatory expectations, deliver outstanding client service, and continue to thrive as independent businesses."

vetsuremeds.com 

www.vetsurevet.com