When the COVID prevailed in the economy, even going to the nearby pharmacy was considered a risk.

The on-demand medicine delivery apps came in handy in those days. People got comfortable in ordering medicines from the comfort of their home.

Did you know the on demand medicine market has grown at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.1% and is expected to reach $2,015.3 billion by 2025.

Ever heard of the very famous Amazon-owned medicine delivery app - PillPack? This app not only provides you with medicine on time, but also allows you to set alarms, reminders that can help you take your pills on time.

There is certainly no doubt that this new business idea will add to your profit, and given the pace at which this industry is growing, the timing couldn’t be any better!

Continue reading the article and you will have all the information that one needs.

Types Of On-Demand Medicine Delivery Apps

When it comes to choosing the type of business model for your on-demand medicine delivery services, you have three options:

1) An app for your pharma store

If you are an owner of a pharma store and want a competitive edge within your market, then having a medicine delivery app might be the best solution for you.

This way, you can not only broaden your reach, but can tie up with healthcare providers to take your business to the next level.

2) SaaS app

If you are someone who doesn’t own a pharma store of their own and still wishes to be a part of the industry, then you can operate a medicine delivery service.

For that, you can create an on demand medicine delivery app for the pharmacists who don’t want to or can’t invest in their own app. Just like a hyperlocal business model!

3) Delivery by riders

Another option for an on demand medicine delivery is to connect pharmacies with drivers that deliver medicines to patients on demand - just like Uber Eats but for medications.

In this type of delivery model, drivers are an essential part of the business and you don’t necessarily need a pharmacy of your own!

Essentials For Building An On-Demand Medicine Delivery App

To successfully build an app, you need some essential building blocks that will make your app’s foundation the strongest.

Research and ideate the operation

Entering any new market field requires research and a proper idea behind the whole operation.
You will need investments, tech stacks and a proper market knowledge to understand customers expectations better and also to stay ahead of the competition.

Once you are aware of the features and customer’s requirements that you need to include - comes the next phase.

Deciding the right business model

Before developing an app you need to be aware of your requirements and the inputs you are willing to offer.

Based on your defined resources, operational flow and target customers, you need to decide the business model you want to opt for from the above mentioned options.

After finalizing the right path for you, comes the next step.

Segregation of different panels

Once your app is under process, you need to decide the different panels (e.g. customer panel, rider panel) for your app. This includes the essential features for the panels and their capabilities as well.

#1 CUSTOMER PANEL

This panel includes the feature for registration or sign ups through social platforms or emails. You can also offer the feature to upload prescriptions and to add patient’s medical records (PMR).

This feature will allow the patients to track their progress and their patterns of medication and they should also be able to set date and time for refill of medicines each month.

Option of multiple payments is a must for medicine delivery apps and real-time tracking of the delivery should also be made possible.

#2 PHARMACISTS PANEL

This panel should be able to offer features that allows the pharmacists to manage orders, verify prescriptions and to track deliveries.

Another crucial feature for the pharmacist panel is the access to inventory management. As they maintain a massive stock of medicines, this feature can be of great help.

#3 Rider’s Panel

For riders or delivery executives, access to customer details is a must. Features like navigation, real-time communication, notification on order updates will only make the process quicker.

Along with these features, the rider should be able to manage profiles and handle payments via wallet feature.

#4 Admin Panel

The admin panel should include features like inventory management, analytics, revenue tracking and also account management.

He should also be able to track orders in real time and should have access to dashboard and advanced analytics.

SOME MUST HAVE FEATURES

Other than the essential features, here are some additional features that will help step up your app from others.

Consult a Doctor

Allowing users to consult doctors over chat, calls or even video calls will give you dual benefits - an extra edge from patients, and also you can deliver the prescribed medicines by doctor to that patient.

Access to review and ratings

Almost all consumers agree that it’s the review and the ratings that convince them to purchase. Considering feedback from fellow customers acts as a source to increase trust in your app.

Categorized filters

Offering advanced filters for your app, can make the search easier for any customer.
For example, search by brand, newly added products, popular categories or even deals of the day - will make operations on the app quicker.

Offer health instructions

The application can offer health instructions provided by expert doctors on the basis of your health ailments.

Legal Formalities That You Need To Take Care Of!

Every country has a unique set of rules and regulations of delivery medicines through an on-demand medicine delivery app. You need to be aware of those guidelines, before jumping in the business. Here are some:

Although home delivery of medicines are legal in many countries, there are certain restrictions that might come your way. For instance, in the US, it is not legal for citizens to buy controlled substances (opioids, depressants, anabolic steroids, stimulants, and hallucinogens) online.

Your pharmacy needs to be licensed. For example, in Canada, your pharmacy needs to be licensed by NAPRA , whether it's an online store or a brick and mortar store. So you need to check your local guidelines before entering this business.

Some countries also restrict selling of drugs without a prescription or doctor’s consultation.

You cannot promote or advertise certain healthcare products on Google, so make sure to check that list beforehand.

As we move towards the new normal, the on demand medicine delivery apps will grow faster than ever. So if you are willing to jump on this bandwagon then it is NOW OR NEVER!