Japan Pharmacy Automation Market Assessment, By Product, By Pharmacy Size, By Application, By End-user, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2017-FY2031F

Japan pharmacy automation market size was valued at USD 247.1 million in FY2023, which is expected to reach USD 373.51 million in FY2031, with a CAGR of 5.3% for the forecast period between FY2024 and FY2031. The Japan pharmacy automation market is observing notable growth owing to heavy emphasis on technological advancements and integration of IT systems in healthcare. Japan is highly developed in terms of technology and focused on technology adoption. Pharmacy automation was introduced in the Japanese market, a long time back. In Japan, robotics dominate the pharmacies, and most prescriptions are refilled by robotic systems with high precision, eliminating human errors. The market penetration of pharmacy automation is limited to urban spaces, even a modest pharmacy set-up in Japan will have automation tools for workflows.

Apart from this, Japan is an aging country with growing healthcare needs. Pharmacy automation is helping Japan to meet the healthcare needs of the aging population at a faster and more effective pace. Government initiatives are helping to drive the market at a faster pace. Additionally, the demand for enhancing operational efficiency and cost reduction are key attributes contributing to market growth. Moreover, major market players are working in collaboration to develop more effective pharmacy automation solutions.

In October 2022, Omnicell, Inc., a leading provider of medication management and adherence tools for health systems and pharmacies, announced the launch of Specialty Pharmacy Services, a turnkey offering with dedicated services to set up, operate, and optimize a specialty pharmacy program.

Technological Advancements and Integration of Automation

Japan has incorporated automation in pharmacies across the country, in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and pharmacies. Japan places heavy emphasis on technological advancements due to declining population and staff shortage. The efforts for centralizing the healthcare system are notable, owing to universal health insurance and integration of IT systems and automation. In July 2023, Noritsu Pharmacy Automation announced the launch of two new products named BlistAssist and CountAssist. Unit-dose and multi-dose Blister Card technology offers a unique light-guided and bottle-scanning workflow while CountAssist is a semi-automated pill counting and vial filling solution.

Increasing Aging Population and Healthcare Needs

According to BBC News, in 2023, Japan had one of the lowest birth rates in the world and has been struggling with solutions on how to provide healthcare facilities to its aging population. Almost one-third of Japan's population was estimated 36.23 million, with an age is over 65 years. Japanese government stated that 15% of the geriatric Japanese population has dementia. To accommodate the growing needs of geriatric population, there needs to be an effective healthcare infrastructure. The growing geriatric population has specific healthcare needs with regular medicine requirements. Addressing these requirements can be managed effectively by incorporating automation in pharmacy dispensing and packaging.

Automated Packaging and Labelling Systems Are Expected to Grow at The Fastest Rate

Based on product type, Japan pharmacy automation market is segmented into automated medication dispensing systems, automated packaging and labelling systems, automated table-top counters, automated storage and retrieval systems, and automated medication compounding systems. Systems for automated packaging and labeling will grow at a rapid rate in the forecasted period. It can be linked to factors such as the need to increase efficiency and accuracy while distributing medication and reduce costs by assisting users in avoiding confusion by giving all medications individual labels and looks.

Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 had a positive impact on Japan pharmacy automation market as it led to significant increase in demand for automation. Japan was severely affected by the pandemic leading to the loss of several lives posing a problem of shortage of workforce. During the pandemic, demand for automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) was high as they could dispense medicines without any human contact, ensuring social distancing. Other types of pharmacy automation systems gained attention to manage tasks like inventory management, order processing, billing, and storage. Increased productivity and increased efficiency during the pandemic helped in recognizing the significance of pharmacy automation.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Japan pharmacy automation market is quite competitive with leading market players like Becton Dickison & Company, TOSHO Inc., Baxter International, etc. These market players have a strong brand value, a vast distribution network, with a focus on innovation. These market players are constantly working on innovation through extensive research and development. The collaborative efforts of these market players ensure industry's growth and improved patient compliance.

For instance, in July 2022, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) acquired MedKeeper to offer cloud-based, connected pharmacy software, further driving the market. The acquisition enables BD to reclaim its market position in pharmacy automation as MedKeeper's portfolio of pharmacy automation extends the market penetration of Becton, Dickinson and Company.