Press Coverage

Please find below a précis of some of the press coverage and media promotions allcures.com has received.

(eSuperbrands Announcement - 16th March 2006)

Allcures.com joins the e elite

The Superbrands organisation, the global independent authority on branding, has announced that Allcures.com is to join an elite group of brands awarded eSuperbrand status. The brand will also feature in a publication highlighting the stories of many of the honoured brands; the book is launched on 16th March at Embassy, London. Only ten percent of brands originally considered qualified for the award, with each winner perceived to have an exceptional standing and reputation within the online market.

Other brands featured include eBay.co.uk, toptable.co.uk, Goggle™ and Firebox. This publication forms part of a pioneering and exciting programme that was founded with the aim of paying tribute to the UK’s strongest ebrands, whilst also providing consumers insight and guidance into the best brands and sites within the huge online market.

A dedicated eSuperbrands council was formulated in 2005, consisting of eminent individuals who are well qualified to judge which are the nation’s strongest ebrands. Each brand featured in the book qualified to do so based on the ranking of this council. The book includes full case studies on 46 of the 300 qualifying eSuperbrands; the full 300 appear in a comprehensive index within the book. Over 3,000 brands were initially considered.

The council includes Brent Hoberman the Co-founder of lastminute.com, Simon Waldman the Director of Digital Publishing at Guardian Newspapers, Michael Murphy the Chief Executive Officer of Friends Reunited and John Owen, Chairman of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising’s Digital Marketing Group. Each eSuperbrand was considered by the council to have elevated itself above others in their field through offering both emotional and physical advantages, which consumers recognise and want.

Commenting on the launch of eSuperbrands a spokesman at the Superbrands organisation said that ‘eSuperbrands is fascinating as it explores a diverse range of brands, from different industries and of difference sizes. The interesting thing is the success and strategy employed by the mix of traditional brands, that we have known and loved for years, with other younger pure e-brands that have been developed more recently. With the proliferation of websites both reputation and brand image are becoming ever more important in aiding consumer choice. Those brands featured in the eSuperbrands publication are a suitable benchmark of those that truly deliver.’

Notes

eSuperbrands

1JOB.co.uk,192.com, 50connect.co.uk, 888.com, allcures.com, Auto Trader, Avon, bbc.co.uk, Betfair, Boys Stuff, British Airways London Eye, confetti, crocus, DatingDirect.com, dubit, eBay.co.uk, Faceparty, Firebox, Friends Reunited, Google™, HalifaxHomeFinder, JobServe, Jobsite, Littlewoods even more, MAXIM, moneynet, Moonfruit, MyTravel.com, myvillage.com, Nectar, NetNames, OUT-LAW, PhotoBox, Primelocation.com, River Island, Streetmap, teletextholidays.co.uk, ThomsonLocal.com, Times Online, tiscali, TOPSHOP, toptable.co.uk, Totaljobs.com, UpMyStreet, What Car?, Yell.com

eSuperbrands Council 2006

Wayne Arnold, Managing Director, Profero
David Day, European Managing Director, EMEA Region Nielsen / NetRatings Inc
Jody Haskayne, Director of PR & Communications, Tiscali UK Ltd
Brent Hoberman, Co-founder, lastminute.com
Rachel Johnson, VP Marketing Europe, Ask Jeeves inc.
Lisa Jones, Editor, .net
Michael Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Friends Reunited
John Owen, Chairman of the IPA’s Digital Marketing Group
Steve Perry, Marketing Services Director, NTL
Timothy Ryan, Brand Marketing Director, AOL
James Sanderson, Joint Managing Director, glue London
Rory Sutherland, Vice-Chairman, The Ogilvy Group, UK
Simon Waldman, Director of Digital Publishing, Guardian
Donna Price, Chairwoman, eSuperbrands Council

The Superbrands Organisation (www.superbrands.org)

(Slimmer Magazine - November 2005)

Allcures.com promotion slimming products for the holiday season in November edition

(Men's Fitness Magazine - November 2005)

Allcures.com promoting Men's health and products

(Natural Health Magazine - November 2005)

Allcures.com promotion in November edition

(The Independent Newspaper - 15-21 October 2005)

In the Independent 'The Information' Supplement Allcures.com was voted one of the 50 best online shops along side other companies such as ebay, Firebox and CD Wow.

(Newcastle Times Newspaper - October 2005)

Allcures.com promotion of health and beauty products.

(The Independent Newspaper - October 2005)

Allcures.com promoting new range in health and beauty products

(Natural Health Magazine - October 2005)

Allcures.com promotion in October edition

(Boost Magazine - October 2005)

Allcures.com promoting Weight Loss Products

(Natural Health Magazine - August 2005)

Allcures.com promotion in August edition

(The Independent Newspaper - August 2005)

Allcures.com promoting Sexual Health Week Campaign

(Health Plus Magazine - July 2005)

Allcures.com promoting ‘5 Ways to Help Fight Cellulite’.

(Boost Magazine - July 2005)

Allcures.com promoting Weight Loss Products

(The Guardian G2 Newspaper - June 2005)

‘’Sun, sand, sea and sickness’ - Allcures.com warning on the dangers on holiday. Many travelers do not realize the dangers with sun screen protection or countries that have malaria risk.

(Natural Health Magazine - June 2005)

Allcures.com promoting ‘5 Ways to Help Fight Cellulite’.

(The Independent Newspaper - May 2005)

Allcures.com promoting National Allergy Week Campaign.

(Natural Health Magazine - May 2005)

Allcures.com promoting new skin care products for 2005.

(The Times - Body & Soul - March 2005)

Allcures.com promoting National Allergy Week Campaign.

(The Independent Newspaper - March 2005)

Allcures.com promoting National Obesity Week Campaign.

(The Independent on Sunday Newspaper - January 2005)

Allcures.com promoting ‘all new you’ 2005 Campaign for a healthier 2005.

(Living Well Life (Hilton) Magazine - January 2005)

Allcures.com promoting ‘all new you’ 2005 Campaign for a healthier 2005.

(Natural Health Magazine - January 2005)

Allcures.com promoting ‘all new you’ 2005 Campaign for a healthier 2005. Allcures.com recommended website.

(Health & Fitness Magazine - January 2005)

Allcures.com promoting ‘all new you’ 2005 Campaign for a healthier 2005.

(Natural Health Magazine – December 2004)

Allcures.com promoting Winter remedies.

(Health & Fitness Magazine - November 2004)

Allcures.com promoting Health and Fitness Campaign.

(Allergy Magazine - July 2004)

Allcures.com promoting allergy awareness and products.

(Slimming Magazine - July 2004)

Allcures.com promoting Zotrim and weight loss products for July edition.

(Natural Health Magazine - July 2004)

Allcures Pharmacist, Mike Ritson in Expert’s Forum.

(Slimmer Magazine - July 2004)

Allcures.com promoting Relaxaderm and online shopping products for July edition.

(YOURS Magazine, June 2004)

Allcures.com featured in ‘Happy to Help’ referring to Newton’s Chiropody Sponge.

(Echo Newspaper, January 2004)

Pharmacist, Yemisi Gibbons at Allcures Pharmacy Basildon, interviewed for local newspaper on carbon monoxide tests and health information in their branch.

(Yellow Advertiser, January 2004)

Pharmacist, Yemisi Gibbons at Allcures Pharmacy Basildon, interviewed for local newspaper on carbon monoxide tests and health information in their branch.

(Revolution, August 2003)

Allcures.com and e-med form Online partnership campaign to bring awareness to increasing problems associated with Malaria and foreign travel. This new service will make it easier to obtain preventative medication before making overseas trips.

(BBC Radio Essex, July 2003)

'Ask the Expert' one hour live conversation about holiday travel and skin care. Listeners were invited to put their questions to allcures' Superintendent Pharmacist, Mike Ritson.

(BBC Radio Essex, June 2003)

'Ask the Expert' one hour live conversation about hay fever. Listeners were invited to put their questions to allcures' Superintendent Pharmacist, Mike Ritson.

'Prescriptions go Electronic' (MIS magazine, June 2003)

NHS plan means long queues at the chemist's counter could soon be a thing of the past. "From a retail point of view, any chosen system has to be open for all…it will be a commercial concern for whoever is providing the systems, but it can't be seen to be such. It can't be seen to be exclusive to anyone."

Mike Ritson MD and Superintendent Pharmacist of allcures plc.

(BBC Radio Essex, May 2003)

'Ask the Expert' one hour live conversation on general medical conditions. Listeners were invited to put their questions to allcures' Superintendent Pharmacist, Mike Ritson.

'Shopping Around for Prescriptions' (Basildon Evening Echo, April 2003)

allcures' MD and Pharmacist Mike Ritson voices concerns about the OFT Report and points out how deregulation will have dire consequences for both local people and the high street pharmacist.

'Survival Instinct' (Internet World, April 2003)

allcures' MD and Pharmacist Mike Ritson tells how allcures survived the dot.com bomb, and relates how online success can be achieved without spending lots of money.

(BBC Radio Essex, April 2003)

'Ask the Expert' one hour conversation on general medical conditions. Listeners were invited to put their questions to allcures' Superintendent Pharmacist, Mike Ritson.

'What the Doctor Downloaded' (Revolution, October 2002)

Mike Ritson, MD and Pharmacist for allcures plc, says he is keen to maintain ethical and legitimate standards. "Current legislation, which I can't see changing in the near future, dictates that we require an original prescription signed by a patient's GP before we dispense drugs".

'For the record' (eBusiness, April 2000)

Health issues continue to be popular online, with allcures.com the latest UK company to offer patients both NHS and private prescriptions. It is targeting the repeat prescriptions market.

'Mothers day meltdown' (New Woman Online, 20/03/00)

To celebrate their launch allcures.com are running a great offer - you can try to win your mum a luxury hotel break for two at Lucknam Park Hotel for a weekend of unadulterated indulgence including champagne and flowers on arrival, full use of their award-winning spa, breakfast and an evening meal. Allcures offer a gift-wrap mailing service with personalised messages for everything from perfumes, Bach Flower Remedies and essential oils - all great gifts for stressed-out mums who need a day of relaxation. They offer a reward points scheme with competitive prices and lots of two-for-one deals.

'Healthcare hits Web' (Macworld Daily News, 17/03/00)

Allcures.com, an online chemist, and NetDoctor.co.uk, a healthcare portal, have announced a partnership deal.

The two companies will work together to put content on the allcures.com Web site, aimed at giving surfers access to medical information. Allcures.com sells over-the-counter drugs and can dispense prescriptions.

'Allcures.com teams up with NetDoctor.co.uk' (Revolution, 15/03/00)

Online pharmacy allcures.com has joined forces with the UK health portal NetDoctor.co.uk to aid its expansion into Europe.

Allcures.com, a joint venture between agency cScape and pharmacist Jai Cheema, will carry co-branded information from the NetDoctor.co.uk site, as well as original content.

NetDoctor.co.uk will carry links to allcures.com alongside relevant product information.

'Ill in bed? Help is a click away' (The Independent, 13/03/00)

By Gail Robinson

Medical and health Web sites are tipped to be one of the next big developments on the Net… When it comes to over-the-counter medicines, online purchasing can be a godsend; let's face it, you don't want to broadcast to the whole of Boots' pharmacy counter that you need haemorrhoid ointment.

Allcures.com claims to be the UK's first full-service online pharmacy. The full-service tag comes in because not only do they sell over-the-counter medicine but they can also fulfil your prescription… Of course, once electronic signatures become legally binding this process will be speeded up no end and we could all be emailing off our prescriptions. Aside from the medicines, the site offers a range of goods of the kind that you'd normally find in your high-street Boots or Superdrug. Cosmetics, perfume, vitamins, minerals and alternative remedies can all be ordered from the site.

'New Media Marketing Exhibition' (Precision Marketing, 13/03/00)

As well as demostrating its core services, cScape will be exhibiting the allcures.com pharmacy ecommerce site at its stand. Allcures.com is claimed to be the first full-service online pharmacy in the UK, and marks the latest launch by cScape. Since 1996, the company has assisted blue-chip companies and start-ups alike to develop their integrated Internet solutions. It combines technical expertise with insight into industry trends.

'Web overflow' (Chemist and Druggist, 11/03/00)

Has the Royal Pharmaceutical Society lit the fuse that could lead to an explosion of online pharmacies? Last month it gave allcures.com, the online pharmacy, clearance to distribute medicines via Royal Mail, Parcel Force and Securicor.

Anyone who believes the move is a reinterpretation of the Code of Ethics should examine the Code carefully, because its wording does not categorically prohibit third party deliveries.

It states merely that a pharmacist 'must not normally' distribute medicines through a third party carrier. Online pharmacies are arguably not a normal development, so the Society must be satisfied that allcures.com can use third party carriers without compromising the Society's standards for delivery.

'Ball park or blue sky?' (Chemist and Druggist, 11/03/00)

Information technology is moving fast, very fast. Reuters points out that global traffic on the Internet is doubling every 100 days, and pressure from all sides is driving the latest stage of the IT revolution, ecommerce.

Industry needs to have the edge, the Government sees Internet links as a way to improve efficiency and consumers feel they have more control with the access to information.

The Reuters report, 'E-pharmacies', suggests that in the US, business-to-business ecommerce will have grown from $48 billion in 1998 to $1.25 trillion by 2003, whereas business-to-consumer ecommerce will have grown from $8 billion to $200 billion over the same period. By 2002, it expects online prescription sales will be in excess of $1 billion.

Where is pharmacy over here? It has survived the millennium bug and even saw the demise of some older dispensary computers replaced by modern machines. But the next stage - e-pharmacy - has only just begun…

Last month, a Gallup poll commissioned by InnovexHealix estimated that about six million people in the UK are using the Internet regularly to keep up-to-date with the latest treatment options and medical information…

When launching itself last year, one UK pharmacy site, allcures.com, suggested that it was not setting out to vanquish the high-street pharmacy…

Surveying Internet users, Verdict reports that just over half (51 per cent) of users believe ecommerce will replace physical shops, with more young people believing this than older.

'New partnership adds medical information to online pharmacy' (Telecomworldwide, 10/03/00)

UK-based online pharmacy allcures.com has formed a partnership with healthcare portal NetDoctor.co.uk.

The two sites will work together to provide additional medical information on the allcures.com site which is based at www.allcures.com.

Full-service pharmacy allcures.com offers a range of health and beauty products, alternative healthcare items and health news and feautures as well as selling over-the-counter drugs and dispensing prescriptions. The site was recently voted 'Web Site of the Week' by a British newspaper and awarded five stars by ShopSmart.com.

'Patient power' (PR Week, 10/03/00)

The UK's healthcare providers are suffering from a new ailment sweeping their consultation rooms. Known affectionately as 'jaw-drop syndrome', its main cause is the growing number of patients who wave print-outs of health information from the Internet, then ask a string of sophisticated questions about their condition and possible treatments…

So where is this new patient assertiveness coming from? Is it simply that more widely available medical information and tighter NHS budgets mean that people feel they can no longer trust the public sector with their health?

This may be true in part, but there are other more complicated factors. For example, many point to the growing efficiency and organisation of patient advocacy groups in voicing their opinions and concerns. Patient champions span almost every therapeutic area, from respiratory problems to mental health, and range from small one-man bands to national charities and lobbying outfits. In recent years, many of these organisations - particularly in areas such as cancer and HIV - have exerted considerable pressure on public health policy.

But patient power has also grown through increased individualism and a rise in consumer power in general.

'From John Major's government onwards, we have had carefully manicured soundbites about people living longer and public sector finances being stretched to the point where we can no longer rely on the nanny state,' says Gareth Zundell, director of Harvard PR. 'The message coming through from government has been that the individual has to take some responsibility for their own health,' he adds…

New research by the Gallup Organisation reveals that more than six million people in Britain use the Internet regularly to keep up-to-date with the latest treatment options and medical information. Providing access to other patients, drugs information and research, means that health has recently overtaken pornography as the most popular reason for surfing the Web…

Another recent development is the increasing access to health information delivered to consumers by e-pharmacists… For example, allcures.com which was launched by cScape on 20 January as the UK's first full-service online pharmacy, will soon handle both NHS and private prescriptions. But the site carries a warning to use its information as a supplement rather than a substitute for the expertise of other healthcare professionals. And according to cScape Marketing Manager Theresa Clifford, the company has been working closely with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to establish an ethical pharmacy model and iron out the loopholes for potential drug abuse…

It is clear that the healthcare industry will have to devote more attention to patients in the future. With the growing power of the Internet as a global information resource, this is likely to throw up all sorts of legislative, security and crisis issues. But as key developments benefit the interests of the consumer, and those consumers grow in power, these will need to be targeted in parallel to the health professionals.

'Keep taking the tablets' (New Media Age, 09/03/00)

By Dianne See Morrison

Consumers… are eager to take control of their health issues. According to Media Matrix reports in October 1999, 22.5 per cent of all Internet users visited at least one health-related site. And if the US is any indication, the boom is only just beginning. According to a Forrester report on the rise of health sites in North America, 33 per cent of all US Internet consumers already shop online for health products. Similarly, health sites now outnumber hospitals in the US, with some 20 000 health or health-related sites listed on Yahoo! alone.

In the UK, meanwhile, although the market is smaller and figures vary, the value of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines is generally placed in 'not millions but billions.' So says Jai Cheema, Founder and Chairman of allcures.com. In fact, Cheema estimates that the figure stands around £5.1bn in prescription drugs alone, and that's just in the UK. 'How much this will translate to Web sales, one can only guess,' he says. But as Jenny Coe, manager of health care at research group Datamonitor, points out, 'Even if you take just 1% of this, it's a very serious business.'

'PM Wizard' (Precision Marketing, 06/03/00)

Suffering from a nigglesome cold and the post-millennium blues, Wizard decided to search for the remedy on allcures.com. The site claims to be the UK's first online pharmacy, offering toiletries, beauty products, photographic services and medicine, as well as advice and information for hypochondriacs everywhere.

'Web site of the week: www.allcures.com' (The Express, 03/03/00)

By Caramel Quin

Shopping on the Internet isn't just for city dwellers who can't be bothered to walk to the shop. The convenience comes into its own if the nearest shop is miles away or if getting out of the house is a problem, when you're ill, for example. Which is where this Web site comes in.

It's the first UK pharmacy site to fulfil NHS prescriptions. You type in your prescription number, credit or debit card number and details of the drugs then post the prescription to Freepost allcures.

When they receive it, your drugs will be dispatched and delivered free within three days by a secure carrying company.

They can deliver to your home or workplace, just as long as it is signed for by a nominated person, and the fee is exactly the same as that in a high street pharmacist.

There are times when waiting three days for your medicine just won't do but allcures is convenient for repeat prescriptions and if you have questions, you can email or phone the pharmacist at any time.

The site also offers online health advice and sells everything you would find at a local chemist, including over-the-counter medicines, alternative remedies and toiletries.

'Cybershopping: Pharmacies' (The Guardian, 02/03/00)

By Helen Brooks

Good news for anyone who usually has to take a half-day off to collect a prescription: allcures.com has started dispensing NHS prescriptions.

While you still have to get your prescription from a doctor and post it to the pharmacist, the service could have major benefits for those needing repeat prescriptions. First, you register online. Then you can email the online pharmacist with details of the prescription you are posting and pay - if necessary - via the secure server. Next, authorise allcures by email to contact your doctor directly when repeat prescriptions are due. Delivery is free and guaranteed within four working days. Allcures offers products similar to what you'd find in your local chemist, along with a reward points scheme and bargains to entice reluctant cybershoppers.

'European dose of online drugs' (Netprofit, March 2000)

The European pharmaceutical industry is finally waking up to the opportunities presented by the Internet. UK start-ups have launched the continent's first electronic pharmacies, while Web-based ventures linking drugs companies, wholesalers and pharmacies promise to shave margins at every point in the supply chain…

Allcures.com, which launched in February this year, has won approval from the British Pharmaceutical Society to allow it to offer NHS prescriptions. Customers will send in a form with their prescription number and a doctor's signature. Alex Dickinson Leach, Project Manager, says the service is likely to be most useful for repeat prescriptions, which make up 80 per cent of the UK market.

'Open for business' (Internet Business, March 2000)

Allcures, the UK's first full-service online pharmacy, provides everything you would expect to find at a pharmacy including beauty products, toiletries, health information, photographic services and a pharmacy, and alternative treatment methods… Allcures.com will dispense prescriptions through a freepost service. A wide range of over-the-counter medicines is available at the site.

'UK e-pharmacy opens cyber doors for business' (Pharmafocus, March 2000)

The UK's first full-service online pharmacy has gone live at www.allcures.com and will enable patients to fulfil NHS and private prescriptions as well as buy OTC medicines and toiletries over the Internet…

Jai Cheema, Chairman of allcures.com and a pharmacist with over 20 years' experience and a chain of retail outlets in southern England, said, 'We have put two years' research and over £2 million behind allcures.com. We are confident that we will set the standard in terms of patient confidentiality and efficiency and that neither the profession nor our customers will find the allcures.com service to be lacking. Substantial interest by third parties has already been shown in the site and allcures.com is currently in discussion with a number of content providers in the health field.'

Complying with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's interim recommendations on the provision of pharmacy services via the Internet, a pharmacist will always be present when any drugs are dispensed. In the case of 'P' lines, such as large packs of paracetamol, the consumer will be offered the opportunity to consult the pharmacist to ensure suitability and will only be able to purchase two packs of any one medicine to prevent abuse.

'Allcures to deliver medicines by third party courier' (Chemist and Druggist, 26/02/00)

Allcures.com, the online pharmacy, has been given the all clear by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to use a third party courier to deliver prescription medicines to customers…

Both allcures and the Society stress the delivery system satisfies the Code of Ethics…

Helen Darracott, the Society's Head of Professional Ethics, said allcures.com had told the Society before it launched its Web site how it intended to comply with the Code. 'On the basis of the discussions, the Society is satisfied that allcures could comply with the Standards for the delivery of medicines. The Society's Council has accepted arrangements that involve use of a third carrier, provided they are in compliance with the Standards for delivery. The Society's overriding concern is that medicines are delivered safely with the appropriate instructions and that arrangements are in place to deal with questions and give advice,' she said.

Theresa Clifford, allcures' Head of Marketing, said the delivery system had its patients' care at heart. 'If the patient is not at home the medicines won't be left there [unattended]. They need the proper signature [to be handed over].'

'Millennium babies: 10 start-ups for 2000' (New Media Age, 10/02/00)

By Dianne See Morrison and Elen Lewis

The UK is awash with start-ups. Six months ago it was big news when a site launched. Now, given the sheer number of start-ups joining the market, we've had to take a more discerning look at online businesses. For the purposes of this feature, therefore, we defined a start-up as company that has launched its site within the last six months or is about to do so in the next six months…

Having whittled our list down to ten promising start-ups, we judged them on nine criteria: the idea behind the site, its originality, its marketing strategy, the management team, its backers, its revenue streams, the design and stickiness (how well it encourages you to stay and browse) of the site and its scalability. Where appropriate, we've also discussed sites' back ends (how they fulfil online sales) and any industry buzz about them. Finally, we've given New Media Age's take on their future…

Allcures, which is entering the very competitive and complicated world of online pharmacies… has a strong management team. Founder and Chairman Jai Cheema has been a pharmacist for 20 years and still owns nine pharmacies in the London area. In this field, it takes an insider who understands the inner workings of the NHS, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the National Pharmacy Association to make a success of the business.

'Allcures.com prescribes loyalty push' (Precision Marketing, 07/02/00)

Recently launched online pharmacy allcures.com is to develop a series of loyalty initiatives in a bid to drive long-term relationships with customers.

The site, which is believed to be the UK's first full-service Internet-based chemist, will reward customers with points for purchasing non-medicinal products and completing an on-site crossword. Plans are also afoot for a Mothers and Babies Club, which may see the firm tie-up with another health information site to offer a range of personalised products and services.

Allcures.com allows consumers to fulfil NHS and private prescriptions, with free delivery, but also sells a range of over-the-counter medicines plus health and beauty products.

The £2m site is the first incubated project of cScape Strategic Services' ventures arm. It is backed by retail pharmacist Jai Cheema.

'The aim is to create a life-cycle marketing model which allows us to meet customers' personal needs,' says a company spokeswoman.

'Online pharmacy offers NHS dispensing service' (The Pharmaceutical Journal, 05/02/00)

A new British Internet pharmacy is offering to dispense National Health Service prescriptions…

The new service, at www.allcures.com, has been created by Mr Jaipal Cheema…

In a statement on January 28, allcures.com said that the new service complied with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's interim guidelines on Internet pharmacy. A pharmacist would always be present when medicines were dispensed and people seeking pharmacy medicines would be offered consultation with a pharmacist. Customers would be allowed to buy a maximum of two packs of medicine at a time.

Mr Cheema said: 'We have put two years' research and over £2m behind allcures.com. We are confident that we will set the standard in Internet pharmacies in terms of patient confidentiality and efficiency and that neither the profession nor our customers will find the allcures.com site to be lacking.'

'Picks of the week' (Yahoo!, 04/02/00)

Proudly boasting to be the UK's first full service online pharmacy, allcures.com is comprised of six separate sections, all of which add up to an extensive shopping experience. There's a shop for beauty products, pharmacy, toiletries, alternative medicine and photographics, plus an extra section called allhealth-info.com, which doesn't sell anything, merely provides a lot of useful advice on various popular ailments… with its clean interface, secure shopping and additional extras like message boards and a thorough FAQ, Allcures.com looks in pretty fine health to us.

'Doctor on call' (The Guardian, 03/02/00)

By Jack Schofield

Allcures claims to be the UK's first full-service online pharmacy. Now you can get a subscription filled or buy medicines from home, or even from your sickbed - and benefit from special offers and a reward points scheme.

'Site inspection' (New Media Age, 03/02/00)

Allcures.com has a nice, clean feel with a modular look and easy-to-navigate bookmarks. Although the site was set up as a health portal, and includes health news and information, its real thrust is shopping. And indeed, shopping for all your pharmaceutical needs is simple enough: one click on an item and it's in the basket… The real boon of the site will be its ability to fulfil prescriptions online, which is set to happen next month, once doing so gets the go-ahead from the government.

'Comment' (Independent Community Pharmacist, February 2000)

By Richard Thomas

Ecommerce continues to dominate the headlines, and I make no apologies for returning to the subject in a month which saw a new Internet pharmacy, allcures.com, offer to dispense NHS prescriptions. Events are moving at breakneck speed…

Consider the stats. About 18 million people in Britain have a PC at home. Four million adults have bought online. The explosion of digital technology means many more will soon have access to the net via their television and mobile phone. And the 'second industrial revolution' is only in its infancy.

'Online NHS dispensing' (Pharmacy Magazine, February 2000)

The site allcures.com, which is a joint venture between Mr Jaipal Cheema, a pharmacist based in Essex, and cScape Strategic Internet Services Ltd, based in London, hopes to start dispensing NHS prescriptions later this month…

Allcures.com says that NHS prescriptions will be fulfilled by patients entering their prescription details online and then posting the script to its retail pharmacy outlet (Freepost allcures). Once the prescription is received by the pharmacy, the medicines are dispensed in the presence of a pharmacist and then dispensed to the patient, free of charge, via a courier, to any address in the UK, including those on the islands. Fridge items, however, are not dispensed.

The medicines must be signed for on delivery by the patient or someone the patient has previously nominated online. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has approved of delivery via a third party provided the patient is aware of it prior to dispatch, says cScape.

'UK customers to get allcures online prescriptions' (Internet Business, February 2000)

The UK's first full-service online pharmacy has launched in the UK allowing consumers to have both NHS and private prescriptions fulfilled over the Internet.

Allcures.com will also sell over-the-counter drugs, plus beauty products, toiletries and alternative medicine. The site aims to be a full health portal offering information on medical conditions and drugs, including side effects and contraindications. Users can build up a personal health profile and email queries to a doctor.

'Allcures to give online prescriptions' (Revolution, 26/01/00)

Internet chemist allcures.com will win the race to become the UK's first online supplier of NHS and private prescription medicines when it launches its dispensing service next month.

Allcures.com customers will also be able to order over-the-counter products from 1 February. The company, which launched last year, already sells beauty products, toiletries, alternative health products and photographic equipment, and offers health information and news.

Allcures is a joint venture between new media agency cScape and Jaipal Cheema, head of a chain of chemists in the south of England.

'Royal Society: yes to Web pharmacies' (New Media Age, 13/01/00)

The official body representing UK pharmacists has set out a set of guidelines for the sale and distribution of medicines online for the first time. The news will boost the plans of its members to extend their businesses on the Web…

The major issue of the debate is that the market is moving towards the concept of electronic prescriptions, which will create a new distribution channel for people who need prescription drugs. According to Jai Cheema, Chairman of allcures.com, although the trading of such drugs is currently legal, the need for a hard copy prescription makes implementation impractical. E-prescriptions will change this, although they won't come into use for the next two or three years.

At present, the online pharmacies are welcoming the new guidelines. Cheema commented: 'Of course we'll comply with the guidelines, for the sake of the public.'

'E-commerce bill is a major first step' (Revolution, 08/12/99)

By Charlotte Goddard

The government's new e-commerce legislation received its second reading in the House of Commons last week, and is due to become law by April 2000. Parts of the industry - particularly highly regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals and financial services - have welcomed the changes made to the draft bill before it saw the light of day as the Electronic Communications Bill last month.

However, while it's a crucial first step on the road to building consumer confidence in online transactions, there is still much work to be done to open up the e-commerce market in the UK, says Theresa Clifford, Director at cScape, which partly owns online pharmacy allcures.com.

'The best thing about the Electronic Communications Bill from our point of view is the provision of a legal basis for the electronic signing of messages - this improves the user's ability to see who sent them a message and whether it has been tampered with,' she explains.

'Also crucial is the overriding of legal stipulations that require documents to exist on paper before they can be legally recognised. Now, in many cases, electronic writing will be legally recognised as a document, which is good for e-prescriptions.'

'Online pharmacy plans November launch' (Chemist and Druggist, 30/10/99)

The site at www.allcures.com tells visitors: 'No more waiting in queues at the chemists'. Fill in your prescription, send it to us and we will have your medicines directly to you.'

A team of pharmacists and doctors are on call to answer any queries, it adds, saying that non-prescription medicines can be added to a shopping basket and sent wherever the user wants.

Reassurance is given as to the confidentiality with 'the most advanced encryption technologies' being used.

'No information will be passed on to any third party. You can feel secure in the knowledge that only your allocated pharmacist will have access to any medical information you might give us,' it adds.

'Allcures.com joins e-prescriptions race' (Revolution, 20/10/99)

By Charlotte Goddard

A new player has entered the battle to be the first UK online dispensing chemist with the launch of allcures.com. The site aims to sell over-the-counter and prescription only medicines, as well as general goods such as cosmetics…

Allcures.com is jointly owned by Jai Cheema, Managing Director of a chain of 12 chemist stores in the south of England, and new media agency cScape.

'We see all existing pharmacy sites as competition, whether in the US or the UK,' said Cheema. 'Our research shows that the market is ready for this site.'