Flipkart 10-minute Medicine Delivery to Disrupt the Online Pharmacy Sector

Flipkart, a leading e-commerce company, is set to introduce a quick drug delivery service with the goal of fulfilling orders within 10 minutes. According to a report, this effort, which will most likely be launched under the 'Flipkart Minutes' name, might position the Walmart-owned e-commerce behemoth as the first participant in the rapid commerce market to deliver prescription medicines.

Flipkart has begun enrolling small pharmacies in metropolitan regions to supply pharmaceuticals through its platform. The company will rely on its last-mile delivery network to provide quick service. These relationships are critical for complying with Indian restrictions that prohibit foreign-backed e-commerce enterprises from holding inventory. According to the report, only registered chemists with the required licences would be eligible to participate in the scheme.

Flipkart is aiming to build Flipkart Minutes as a full-scale rapid commerce platform. The launch into medications addresses an underdeveloped market, with competitors now offering delivery timeframes ranging from one hour to many days. According to the insider, by partnering with licensed pharmacies, Flipkart can focus on logistics while offering a high-demand product category.

Quick commerce for pharmaceuticals may give higher margins than groceries or meal delivery. According to the Economic Times, Devangshu Dutta, CEO of consulting business Third Eyesight, believes that discounts could be the true differentiator, particularly for patients who require long-term or pricey procedures.

Quick commerce market is poised for tremendous expansion

According to a recent Grant Thornton Bharat analysis, India's quick commerce market would nearly quadruple, from $3.34 billion in 2023 to $9.94 billion in 2029. According to the report, the sector grew by 76% year on year in 2023-24, highlighting the vast prospects for businesses such as Flipkart.