Swiggy has taken a bold step into e-pharmacy through a partnership with PharmEasy, enabling 10-minute medicine deliveries on its Instamart platform. This collaboration will first be piloted in Bengaluru, allowing Swiggy users to access a wider range of pharmaceuticals, including prescription medicines, without needing additional regulatory permissions, as PharmEasy will manage compliance.

Currently, Instamart offers over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, but with this strategic partnership, users can now order prescription drugs by uploading their prescriptions on the platform. PharmEasy further simplifies this process by providing teleconsultation services for prescriptions, making access more seamless for consumers.

This venture aligns with Swiggy’s goal of increasing Average Order Values (AOV) and diversifying its service portfolio as it heads towards its IPO. Swiggy has reported a revenue boost of 35% to ₹3,222.2 crore in Q1FY25 but saw an 8% increase in losses, primarily due to a rise in expenses. Instamart’s new 10-minute medicine delivery service is part of Swiggy’s strategy to capture a share of the fast-growing e-pharmacy market and provide essential services within the same-day delivery framework.

This entry into quick-delivery pharmaceuticals places Swiggy alongside other quick-commerce firms diversifying into essential sectors, likely increasing its market appeal pre-IPO. The PharmEasy partnership not only brings regulatory expertise to Swiggy but also positions it strategically against competitors like Zomato, which continues to outperform in revenue and profitability.

Key Highlights:

• Swiggy partners with PharmEasy for 10-minute medicine deliveries on Instamart.
• Service, piloting in Bengaluru, offers prescription meds through teleconsultation.
• Swiggy aims to raise AOV and expand market appeal before IPO.
• Quick-commerce moves into e-pharmacy reflect sector-wide diversification.

Credit: This article is based on information from OfficeChai, VCCircle, and The Economic Times.