Zepto, known for its quick grocery delivery model, has made its first major leap beyond core operations with the launch of Zepto Pharmacy. The service promises to deliver essential medicines within ten minutes and is currently operational in select areas of Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai.
A Year in the Making
According to Co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha, the launch comes after a year of careful preparation. “Over the past 12 months, the team has worked tirelessly to perfect the customer experience, supply chain, and compliance at a small scale,” Palicha said. This approach reflects Zepto’s focus on ensuring smooth operations before scaling up in a category with significant complexity.
Addressing E-Pharmacy Challenges
The e-pharmacy sector requires careful handling of temperature-sensitive medications, strict prescription verification, and full regulatory compliance. These challenges make rapid scaling risky. Zepto’s strategy is to prioritise operational excellence and maintain high standards rather than chase immediate nationwide rollout.
Improving Access to Medicines
Palicha believes Zepto Pharmacy can make a meaningful difference for millions of Indians by providing quick access to critical medications. “If we execute well, this service can seriously improve the lives of millions of customers across the country and help make important medicines easier to access when we need them the most,” he said.
The Bigger Picture: Fast-Commerce Evolution
With this move, Zepto joins other companies expanding hyperlocal delivery beyond groceries into healthcare. The launch of Zepto Pharmacy signals that fast-commerce is evolving into a vital service channel, bridging gaps in healthcare accessibility for urban consumers who need timely delivery of prescription drugs and over-the-counter products.
Zepto’s step into e-pharmacy may also push competitors to innovate, potentially accelerating the integration of healthcare services into fast-commerce platforms across India.
