Zepto expands into e-pharmacy with doorstep delivery of prescription medicines across major cities, tapping into India's growing digital health market.
In a move set to intensify the quick-commerce race in India, Zepto has rolled out a new vertical called Zepto Pharmacy, expanding its services to include prescription medicine delivery. This strategic expansion builds on Zepto’s existing portfolio of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and health essentials.
The service is currently operational in select areas of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Hyderabad, with a phased rollout planned for other metros in the coming months.
Zepto, known for its 10-minute grocery delivery model, is now leveraging its hyperlocal infrastructure to cater to India’s growing healthcare-on-demand market. With Zepto Pharmacy, the company is offering users the convenience of ordering both prescription and OTC medicines via its app—bringing doorstep delivery of pharmaceuticals under the same platform as groceries and daily essentials.
This move positions Zepto to capture a slice of the rapidly growing e-pharmacy segment, which has seen increased demand post-pandemic as consumers seek faster, safer access to medical supplies.
The initial rollout of Zepto Pharmacy is focused on urban pockets within Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Hyderabad, where Zepto already has a strong operational presence. By piggybacking on its existing micro-warehousing and last-mile delivery capabilities, Zepto aims to ensure timely and secure delivery of medicines, including those that require prescription verification.
Users can upload prescriptions directly through the Zepto app, and after validation by licensed pharmacists, the medicines are dispatched—mirroring the standard protocol followed by established e-pharmacies.
Zepto’s entry into prescription medicine delivery comes just weeks after rival Blinkit began piloting a similar service in select parts of Bengaluru. Blinkit, backed by Zomato, has been aggressively expanding its verticals in an effort to diversify beyond grocery and convenience items.
The race to dominate quick-commerce pharma delivery is heating up, as platforms vie for market share in a segment that promises high repeat usage and customer stickiness. According to industry analysts, the Indian e-pharmacy market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of over 20%.
Zepto’s expansion into healthcare is timely, given the surge in digital health adoption across India. With rising urbanization, increased health awareness, and a digitally connected middle class, more consumers are turning to online platforms for medicine delivery, medical consultations, and diagnostics.
Zepto Pharmacy is poised to tap into this trend by offering a frictionless user experience, combining speed, reliability, and regulatory compliance—factors that are critical when dealing with medical products.
Here’s how Zepto’s new pharmacy service functions:
Zepto has ensured that the platform is compliant with Indian drug regulations, with proper checks and pharmacist verification at every step.
Zepto’s foray into the pharma sector reflects a larger strategic shift toward becoming a multi-vertical quick-commerce platform. From groceries and personal care to pet supplies and now healthcare, Zepto is diversifying its offerings to increase average order value (AOV) and customer lifetime value (CLV).
This multi-pronged approach not only strengthens Zepto’s competitive position but also opens up new revenue streams in high-growth categories.
With Zepto Pharmacy now live in four cities, the startup is signaling its intent to play a major role in India’s online healthcare ecosystem. As quick-commerce players expand their reach into high-utility verticals, the focus is clearly shifting from convenience alone to essential services, with prescription medicine delivery emerging as the next big frontier.
As rivals like Blinkit and Tata 1mg also step up their efforts, Zepto’s early move could offer it a first-mover advantage in many urban centers—setting the stage for a new phase of competition in India’s digital health economy.
I am an entrepreneur, marketer, and mentor with a certification in entrepreneurship from IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. I have a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal customers, solving real-world problems, and inspiring the next generation of founders.I founded and lead DevoByte, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services, from SEO a
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