How Convenience Is Changing the Way We See Health

24 Aug 2025

8 Min Read

Ms Amy Chin Shin Chee (Academic Contributor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Contributed by Ms Amy Chin Shin Chee, whose research focuses on education in health and nutrition, intensive care, and clinical pharmacy with a focus on antimicrobial stewardship. She can be reached at amysc.chin@taylors.edu.my.

A headache creeps in after a long day buried in assignments. There’s no time to rest, no time to pause—just a quick reach into your bag, a pill swallowed, and you push on. The same scene plays out when you can’t sleep, when your stomach twists from stress, or when anxiety takes hold before a big exam.

In an age where everything from food to therapy is just a tap away, medications have joined the growing list of instant solutions. But as pain relief becomes as convenient as food delivery, a bigger question emerges: are we addressing the cause, or simply silencing the symptoms?

A Culture of Convenience in Healthcare

We live in a world built on speed. Streaming services deliver entertainment instantly, food delivery apps ensure our cravings are satisfied within minutes, and online shopping means almost anything can arrive at our door the very next day. These expectations have quietly reshaped how we view healthcare as well.

Today, digital pharmacies, from Watsons Online to GrabHealth-style delivery services, are making medications just as easy to access. On the surface, this is empowering: barriers are removed, accessibility has improved, and patients can get what they need without long waits or the need to physically visit a store. Yet, convenience carries an unintended side effect—the rise of a ‘pill culture’, where quick fixes often replace sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes.

For the pharmacy industry, this raises an important question: has increased accessibility empowered healthier, more proactive patients? Or has it created a habit of choosing speed over responsibility?

The Rise of Quick Relief Medications

Walk into any pharmacy and you’ll find shelves stocked with instant solutions. Paracetamol promises to chase away headaches in under an hour. For restless nights, over-the-counter options such as herbal blends or antihistamine-based sleep aids offer quick fixes without the need for a prescription. Antacids like Gaviscon soothe the burn of late-night suppers and stress-induced indigestion. These products have become so common that for many people, they are as much a part of daily life as coffee in the morning or scrolling through social media before bed.

_{Among young people, this reliance on quick fixes is especially noticeable. A study conducted at a Malaysian university found that 7.5% of students reported using sleeping pills. It’s not hard to see why. University life is fast-paced and demanding—deadlines are tight, academic pressure is intense, and schedules are often irregular. When rest or recovery feels out of reach, quick relief can seem like the only practical option.}

Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 Fact Sheet indicate that 20.7% of individuals experiencing acute health problems resorted to medication without professional advice, with another 15.1% seeking informal guidance via the internet, media, or friends. This reflects a significant trend toward self‑managed health, particularly in contexts where quick relief is prioritised over consultation.

The convenience of digital pharmacies has only amplified the trend. With services like Watsons Online and GrabHealth, the barrier to obtaining medication has almost disappeared—except for controlled substances and prescription-only medicines, which still require proper authorisation. For most common over-the-counter products, however, a few taps on a smartphone is all it takes for the pills to arrive at your doorstep: no queues, no consultations, and often no discussion about whether the medication addresses the actual problem.

Masking the Problem vs Treating the Cause

The real danger is not in the medications themselves—many are safe, effective, and essential when used correctly, but in the way they are often approached. Painkillers, antacids, and sleep aids all have their place in managing symptoms. However, when these are used repeatedly without addressing the underlying causes, they can create a cycle of dependence, mask more serious conditions, and delay proper treatment.

Take gastric discomfort, for example. Antacids can provide immediate relief, but if the root cause is linked to irregular meals, stress, or excessive caffeine, the problem will inevitably return. Over time, reliance on quick fixes can disguise worsening symptoms. Similarly, the use of sleeping pills to address insomnia may overlook deeper lifestyle triggers such as late-night screen time, caffeine consumption, or poor sleep hygiene—factors that medication alone cannot resolve.

Hand holding medicine capsule pack at the pharmacy drugstore.

_{Pharmacists are trained to look beyond the immediate request for medication and assess the bigger picture. Without proper guidance, the overuse of certain drugs—particularly NSAID painkillers, can lead to significant complications. Long-term or excessive use can damage the stomach lining, cause gastric ulcers, and even impair kidney function. A patient repeatedly self-treating gastric pain with antacids might unknowingly delay the detection of a more serious condition, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or an ulcer that requires targeted treatment.}

In this fast-paced world, patients often arrive expecting instant results. For pharmacists, the responsibility is not only to dispense medication, but also to ensure that each interaction is an opportunity to address the root of the problem and guide patients towards lasting, informed solutions.

Pharmacy’s Role in Re-educating Health Perspectives

Pharmacy today is more than just a place to collect prescriptions—it is evolving into a hub for health education and community wellness. Pharmacists are in a unique position to help patients navigate their health, not only by supplying medicines but also by shaping the way individuals think about treatment, prevention, and long-term care.

an Asian Chinese pharmacist talking to his Malay female pharmacist colleague

_{Modern pharmacists are increasingly involved in preventive healthcare. Beyond dispensing medication, they promote balanced nutrition, mental well-being, and sustainable lifestyle adjustments that support long-term health. In Malaysia, this is visible in pharmacy-led wellness programmes, particularly in universities and community clinics, where pharmacists provide guidance on stress management, healthy eating, and proper sleep hygiene. These initiatives help shift the focus from short-term symptom relief to building healthier daily habits.}

The next generation of pharmacists has the opportunity to play a pivotal role in reshaping how society views health. By reframing the conversation, pharmacists can position convenience as a valuable tool when used responsibly, rather than a crutch that risks replacing sustainable, long-term care. In doing so, they help create a culture that values informed decisions, proactive health management, and patient empowerment.

Many expect quick fixes to health issues, often sidelining prevention and long-term care. Pharmacists risk being seen as dispensers, but the next generation must educate patients, adopt tech, specialise, and work with health teams to drive sustainable care.

— Ms Amy Chin Shin Chee

Conclusion

Convenience in healthcare is not the enemy. It has broken down barriers, improved access, and empowered patients to take greater control of their health. However, when convenience becomes the default response, it risks replacing responsibility with habit.

For future pharmacists, the challenge is clear. Your role will go far beyond dispensing medication. It will involve guiding patients towards informed choices, helping them look beyond quick fixes, and encouraging them to address the root of their health concerns.

In a world that moves quickly, pharmacists have the opportunity to be a steady voice. Every prescription, every piece of advice, and every conversation can support not just relief for today, but lasting health for tomorrow.

Become a trusted voice in advancing healthcare and guiding patients towards better choices. With Bachelor of Pharmacy, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in every prescription, every consultation, and every community you serve.

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