The ePharmacy market will grow from $72.9 billion in 2023 to $258.6 billion by 2033. This 19.8% yearly growth rate shows why you need to build a medicine delivery app like 1mg now.
Apps are the first choice for 85% of consumers who want discounts, quick delivery, and easy access to medications. This makes sense. Doorstep delivery, digital prescriptions, and contactless payments have made online pharmacies a must-have service. Tata 1MG's success proves this point. The company's operating revenue shot up by 160% in the financial year ending March 2023. Its value jumped to 1627 Crores from 627 Crores.
Building a medicine delivery app might be your next big move. The cost to build an app like 1mg ranges from $50,000 to $150,000. Prices can vary between $15,000 and $500,000 based on features, platform type, and team size. A well-built medicine delivery app can bring in good money through commissions, subscription plans, and ads.
This piece will show you how to create an app like 1mg from start to finish. You'll learn about the business model, tech stack selection, and ways to make money. Let's take a closer look at the steps needed to build an app that can succeed in this fast-growing market.
Understanding the 1mg App Model
1mg has grown into a powerhouse in the digital world of healthcare. The platform now serves 260 million+ visitors and has delivered 31 million+ orders to 1800+ cities in India. These numbers tell us just a part of what makes this platform special.
What makes 1mg successful?
1mg's success comes from its steadfast dedication to making healthcare "understandable, available and affordable to all Indians". This customer-first mindset has helped 1mg team up with over 600 Health Partners who support millions of families in staying healthy.
Trust and reliability form the foundation of 1mg's business model, vital elements in healthcare delivery. The platform lists products only from verified and licensed pharmacies, while diagnostic services come from fully accredited labs. The platform also uses top-tier security with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and follows Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) guidelines.
People love 1mg because it saves them money. Users find medicine alternatives that cut costs by up to 50%, get up to 80% off on lab tests, and talk to doctors for free. These savings and ease of use have created a loyal following.
New users quickly see how 1mg stands out through its certifications. LegitScript (a monitoring service for online pharmacies) verifies the platform, and it holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. All medicines meet Drugs and Cosmetics Act standards.
Core services offered by 1mg
1mg has grown from a simple medicine delivery service into a complete healthcare platform:
- Online Pharmacy: The easy-to-use platform lets users search, compare, and order prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines with prescription upload and verification features
- Diagnostic Services: Users can book lab tests with home sample collection from 120+ top verified labs including Dr. Lal Path Labs and SRL Diagnostics
- Doctor Consultations: The platform connects users with registered medical specialists of all disciplines through chat consultations
- Digital Health Tools: Users get medicine reminders, digital health records, and extensive health information resources
- Health Information Library: A complete database provides drug information, side effects, and disease guides
The app works as a single hub for healthcare management where users track their health experience. This unified approach to data has helped 1mg "construct a single view for patients" and provide smarter healthcare recommendations.
Why build an app like 1mg in 2025?
The market shows perfect timing for medicine delivery app development. Statista projects online pharmacy market revenue to hit USD 97.18 billion in 2025 and grow 7.64% yearly to USD 130.46 billion by 2029. New businesses have an exceptional chance to enter this growing market.
Medicine delivery apps solve real problems for people who have trouble moving around, elderly patients, and those living in remote areas. These services run 24/7, unlike traditional pharmacies with fixed hours, which makes them vital during emergencies.
Business owners find these apps helpful because they can serve customers beyond their local area. The platforms also collect data that improves inventory management and creates individual-specific experiences.
The need for convenience drives this market forward. People now expect everything at their doorstep, and medicine delivery has become essential rather than optional, creating ideal conditions for new players in this space.
Types of Medicine Delivery Apps
The digital world offers several business models to build a medicine delivery app like 1mg. Each model comes with its own way of working, revenue streams, and growth potential. Here's a look at three main types that could work for your medicine delivery app development.
Dedicated pharmacy apps
Dedicated pharmacy apps work as digital extensions of a single pharmacy or pharmacy chain. Customers can upload prescriptions, place orders, and get medications delivered to their homes.
These apps serve as digital storefronts for existing pharmacies that want to reach beyond their physical stores. Large pharmacies with substantial medication inventory do well with this model. Take Walgreens - their app lets customers refill prescriptions, shop for health products, and collect loyalty rewards.
The biggest plus? Brand recognition. If customers already trust your pharmacy brand, going digital becomes easier. You'll also see better profit margins since there's no middleman taking a cut.
Remember that you'll need to handle your own inventory and delivery logistics, which gets trickier as you grow. Keeping enough medications in stock and managing deliveries becomes part of your daily operations.
Aggregator-based platforms
Aggregator platforms link customers to multiple pharmacies through one app. Like Uber for taxis or DoorDash for food, these apps don't stock medicines but help connect pharmacies with customers.
The marketplace model lets users:
- See medicine prices from different pharmacies
- Find available medications nearby
- Pick pharmacies based on ratings or delivery speed
- Buy from several pharmacies at once
PharmEasy in India shows this model in action - they offer medicines from various suppliers and let users book lab tests too. As an aggregator, you make money by taking a fixed cut from each order on your platform.
The best part? It's easy to grow. Without worrying about inventory, you can focus on getting more users and pharmacy partners. Starting costs stay low since you're building a platform instead of stocking medicines.
Direct-to-consumer models
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) models mark the latest shift in medicine delivery. Manufacturers now skip traditional middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and distributors to reach patients directly.
This trend has picked up steam since 2024, as major pharmaceutical companies launch their own platforms. LillyDirect, PfizerForAll, and NovoCare sell branded medicines at lower cash prices straight to customers. They bundle prescriptions with online doctor visits, health education, and patient support.
DTC works great for ongoing conditions like diabetes, obesity, and mental health medications. Cutting out middlemen helps manufacturers offer better prices while making more money per sale.
The challenge? DTC models face strict rules since pharmacy laws vary by state in the United States. These platforms must follow complex legal rules about licenses, ownership, and how they operate.
Your choice depends on what you already have, how much you can invest, and where you want to stand in the market. Dedicated pharmacy apps need more resources but give you control. Aggregator platforms grow faster with less upfront cost. DTC models suit pharmaceutical companies or startups with strong industry connections best.
Unsure which pharmacy model fits your business?
Let our experts analyze your goals to help you choose the profitable model-aggregator, dedicated, or DTC.
Must-Have Features for a 1mg-Like App
A successful medicine delivery app needs the right mix of features. The app must work smoothly for users, pharmacists, administrators, and delivery staff at the same time. Let's get into the key elements that will help your app shine in today's competitive healthcare market.
User panel essentials
Your app's interface acts as its storefront. First impressions can make or break your app's success. A smooth user experience will set the foundation for your 1mg-like medicine delivery app. Here are the most important user features:
User registration and profile management - Give users multiple ways to log in through email, phone, or social media accounts. This makes it easier for new users to get started.
Search and filtering capabilities - Add advanced search filters so users can find medications by name, category, or health condition. Your customers will save time finding what they need.
Order tracking - Immediate updates on order status bring transparency and reduce worry about medication deliveries. Users should see their order's journey from start to finish.
Multiple payment options - Add various payment methods like credit cards, digital wallets, UPI, and insurance options. Different users have different payment priorities.
Medicine information access - Offer detailed information about medications, including dosage instructions, side effects, and contraindications. This helps users make better decisions and builds trust.
Admin and pharmacy panel features
The administrative tools form the core of any medicine delivery platform. These behind-the-scenes features keep everything running:
Inventory management - Track stock levels, set low-stock alerts, and watch expiration dates. Good inventory control means you won't disappoint customers with out-of-stock items.
Analytics dashboard - Evidence-based reports on sales, profit margins, and user behavior guide smart business decisions. These insights help improve marketing and operations.
Order monitoring system - A detailed view of all transactions helps admins direct the entire fulfillment process. This oversight spots delivery pipeline bottlenecks quickly.
Pharmacists need specific tools like prescription verification, sales tracking, and customer feedback management. These features make their workflow smoother and improve service quality.
Delivery partner tools
The success of medicine delivery depends on a well-designed courier interface. The delivery module should include:
Route optimization - AI-powered delivery route planning reduces time and transportation costs. The system finds the quickest paths based on traffic, distance, and delivery priorities.
Real-time GPS tracking - This helps delivery partners find customer locations accurately. Customers can also watch their deliveries in real-time.
Proof of delivery - Capture electronic proof of successful deliveries through photos, signatures, or PIN verification. This prevents disputes and confirms medication receipt.
Push notifications - Quick alerts about new orders and status changes keep delivery partners informed without constant app checks.
AI-based recommendations
AI makes medicine delivery apps smarter. Here are some innovative AI uses:
Smart health insights - AI creates tailored wellness plans based on medication history and health patterns. Users can manage their health better with these recommendations.
Predictive restocking - The system suggests automatic refills based on usage patterns and prescription duration. Patients with chronic conditions never run out of medication.
Chatbots for customer support - Virtual assistants handle basic questions about medications, orders, and app usage. Support teams work less, and users get help instantly.
Prescription upload and validation
Safe and compliant prescription handling needs these key components:
Multiple upload methods - Users can upload prescriptions through camera photos, document scanning, or file uploads. This works for users with different tech skills.
Prescription scanning technology - AI-powered computer vision extracts and validates prescription information automatically. This reduces medication dispensing errors.
Verification workflow - Qualified pharmacists review prescriptions before processing orders. This validation ensures medication dispensing follows regulations.
Data security measures - Strong encryption and healthcare regulation compliance (like HIPAA) keeps prescription information safe. Users feel confident sharing medical documents.
Step-by-Step Process to Build the App
Creating a medicine delivery app needs a systematic approach to turn your idea into reality. Here's how to break down the development process into manageable steps.
1. Market research and planning
Every successful app starts with solid market analysis. Take time to study competitor apps like PharmEasy, 1mg, and CVS Pharmacy to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This helps you spot opportunities to stand out and innovate.
Define your target audience first. Will you serve elderly folks who prefer simplicity? Young parents who need children's medications? Or people with chronic conditions who need frequent deliveries? Understanding your users helps you build an app that meets their specific needs.
The next step is to analyze current market trends such as subscription models, telemedicine integration, and quick delivery options. User interviews will reveal pain points in existing pharmacy experiences. This information becomes the foundation for all your development decisions.
2. Feature listing and scope definition
Your research will shape your app's core functionality. Choose which features should be in your original release (MVP) and which can wait for future updates. This approach helps control your budget and speeds up time-to-market.
Break down features into user panel, admin/pharmacy panel, and delivery partner modules. Focus on essential capabilities like medicine search, prescription upload, user authentication, and secure payments. Then map out secondary features such as AI recommendations or telemedicine services.
Document all technical requirements, integration needs, and compliance considerations early. Set clear project milestones and deliverable timelines to keep development on track.
3. UI/UX wireframing and prototyping
Your feature list becomes visual concepts through wireframing. Start with simple sketches to map out your app's structure, flow, and features. These basic layouts help spot potential usability issues before investing in detailed designs.
The next phase involves creating interactive prototypes that show user journeys. Quick prototyping turns abstract ideas into models you can test and improve. Real users can try these prototypes and give valuable feedback about navigation, clarity, and overall experience.
The design should focus on user-friendly interfaces, especially for prescription uploads and medication browsing. A medicine delivery app must balance visual appeal with functional clarity, given healthcare services' critical nature.
4. Frontend and backend development
Approved designs move to the coding phase. Frontend development can use frameworks like React Native or Flutter to create cross-platform experiences for iOS and Android. These tools reduce development time and costs.
Backend development needs robust systems to handle user data, pharmacy inventories, prescriptions, and delivery logistics. Technologies like Node.js, Python, or Java work well for creating secure, scalable backends. Your database (PostgreSQL, MongoDB) should efficiently store catalogs, order data, and transaction history.
Security measures must protect sensitive health information and meet HIPAA regulations throughout development.
5. Integration of APIs and third-party tools
Medicine delivery apps need external services to function well. You'll need to integrate several APIs:
- Payment gateways for processing transactions
- GPS services for location tracking and delivery routing
- Pharmacy management systems for inventory synchronization
- Prescription validation services
- Healthcare record systems for medication history
Read API documentation carefully before implementation. Get necessary access tokens by registering your application with API providers. Build proper data mapping and ensure format compatibility between systems for smooth information flow.
6. Testing and quality assurance
Healthcare applications demand thorough testing. Your testing plan should include:
- Functional testing to verify all features work correctly
- Performance testing for speed and responsiveness
- Security testing to protect user and payment data
- Usability testing across different age groups
Medicine delivery apps need extra attention to prescription handling accuracy and healthcare regulation compliance. Run pilot tests with a small user group before full release to catch and fix remaining issues.
Choosing the Right Tech Stack
Your medicine delivery app's performance and scalability depend on choosing the right technologies. A well-planned tech stack will make your app fast, secure, and ready to grow.
Frontend and backend technologies
React Native and Flutter are the best choices for cross-platform applications. These frameworks help you build for iOS and Android at the same time. This cuts down development time and costs. Many successful medicine delivery apps use these technologies because they need only one codebase while delivering native-like performance.
The backend has several reliable options:
- Node.js excels at handling live operations like order tracking
- Python (with Django/Flask) works great for data processing and AI recommendations
- Laravel comes with strong security features
Your app's specific needs will determine the best choice. To name just one example, Node.js shines in apps that need live updates, especially for delivery tracking.
Database and cloud infrastructure
The way your app stores and retrieves medication catalogs, user profiles, and transaction records depends on your database choice. Here are some popular options:
- PostgreSQL and MySQL serve as reliable relational databases perfect for structured medical data
- MongoDB is a flexible NoSQL option that handles big volumes of unstructured data well
AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are cloud hosting providers that offer flexibility and global reach. These platforms give you:
- Auto-scaling during busy times
- Ways to recover from disasters
- HIPAA-compliant storage options
Payment and GPS integrations
A medicine delivery app needs secure payment processing. Here are some trusted payment gateways:
- Stripe and PayPal are widely trusted processors
- Braintree gives complete payment solutions
- GooglePay and ApplePay make mobile payments easy
Google Maps API leads the industry in location services and delivery tracking. It lets you:
- Map pharmacy locations
- Track deliveries in real time
- Create better delivery routes
- Check addresses
Tools like Google Analytics or MixPanel are great ways to get insights into user behavior and help improve your app.
Security and compliance tools
Medicine delivery apps must follow strict rules. Your target market determines which standards you need:
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a must for US markets
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) applies to European users
- HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) covers electronic health records
- DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain Security Act) stops unlicensed medication delivery
You need strong security measures such as:
- OAuth 2.0 for authentication
- SSL/TLS encryption to protect data
- JWT tokens to secure API requests
Want a high-performance app like 1mg?
Leverage cross-platform power with React Native or Flutter to reduce development costs and time-to-market.
Cost Breakdown of Medicine Delivery App Development
A medicine delivery app project needs a clear budget. Let's get into what you'll need to spend to build a successful platform in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
Design and development costs
Medicine delivery app development costs vary based on complexity and features. A simple MVP with core features costs $15,000-$30,000. Apps with automated refills and insurance integration range from $30,000-$60,000. Advanced platforms with AI recommendations and telemedicine features can reach $60,000-$100,000+.
Your budget depends on these key factors:
- App complexity and feature set
- Development platform choice (native vs. cross-platform)
- Design sophistication and customization level
- Development team location
Developer rates change dramatically across regions. North American developers charge $60-$150 per hour. Western European rates range between $50-$120 hourly. South Asian teams (India) charge $15-$40 per hour. These regional differences mean similar apps could cost anywhere from $30,000 to $250,000.
Third-party integrations
External services boost functionality but add costs. Payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal add $5,000-$10,000. GPS integration for delivery tracking costs $3,000-$5,000. Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems integration ranges from $8,000-$15,000. Telemedicine platform integration costs $10,000-$20,000.
Each service comes with setup fees and ongoing licensing costs that affect your long-term budget. You can reduce your development costs by choosing only essential third-party services.
Compliance and security expenses
Healthcare apps must meet strict regulatory standards. HIPAA compliance adds 20-40% to your base development cost through security implementation and documentation requirements. Pharmacies spend an average of $23,978 on compliance audits - a cost that grew 35% over the last several years.
Data encryption, access controls, and audit logging are must-have features. Building these compliance layers needs specialized expertise, adding $5,000-$20,000 to your budget. Security features like secure logins and fraud prevention systems cost $2,000-$10,000.
Post-launch maintenance
Your app needs regular updates after launch. Annual maintenance costs 15-25% of your original development investment. This covers security updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Monthly maintenance fees range from $1,000-$5,000, based on app complexity.
Regular updates help you adapt to new regulations, maintain security, and implement user feedback. Server costs and infrastructure management add $1,000-$15,000 monthly, depending on user traffic and data volume.
Monetization Strategies for Your App
A profitable medicine delivery app needs smart revenue streams. Your monetization strategy will shape your business's growth and long-term success.
Commission-based model
Most medicine delivery platforms prefer the commission-based revenue model. Your app can earn a percentage from each pharmacy transaction. Commissions typically range from 5% to 20% per order, based on product types and sales volumes. This model works great with high-volume transactions and multiple vendors.
The beauty of this model lies in its simplicity. Users pay nothing extra while your business starts earning right away. Your revenue grows naturally as order volumes increase.
Subscription plans
Predictable revenue comes from monthly or annual subscription packages. Users who keep paying fixed amounts unlock premium perks like:
- Free delivery on all orders
- Priority delivery slots
- Exclusive discounts
- Early access to offers
- Family plans with better savings
Amazon's RxPass shows this model in action. Prime members pay just $5 monthly for unlimited medication orders. This creates steady cash flow and builds customer loyalty.
Sponsored listings and ads
Pharmacies boost their visibility through featured listings, which creates a major revenue source. They pay to appear first in search results or display special badges like "Express Delivery". You can also sell ad space to pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic centers, and health insurance providers.
These promotions work better than regular ads because they show products users already want.
Affiliate healthcare services
Strategic collaborations with healthcare providers open new revenue streams. You can earn by connecting users to:
- Telehealth consultations
- Diagnostic labs
- Health insurance plans
- Wellness programs
Telehealth partnerships can be quite rewarding. GO MD USA offers $50 per referral plus ongoing commissions from renewals.
Why Partner with a Mobile App Development Company Like CISIN
Your medicine delivery app's success largely depends on picking the right development partner. Building such apps needs more than basic coding skills due to their technical complexity and strict regulatory requirements.
Benefits of working with experts
Professional development teams bring valuable technical skills that directly affect your project's quality. Their combined knowledge helps direct you through the challenges of medicine delivery app development. Unlike freelancers, dedicated companies have all the needed experts, from UI/UX designers to security specialists, working together.
Expert developers keep up with state-of-the-art solutions like AI, VR, and blockchain. They blend these technologies to boost user trust and participation. Their end-to-end development services create an uninterrupted journey from concept to launch.
CISIN's experience in healthcare app development
CISIN's CMMI Level 5 process maturity and ISO 27001 certification show their steadfast dedication to quality and security. Their team works 100% in-house, which gives better stability, security, and knowledge retention, key elements for health-related applications.
The company blends deep healthcare knowledge with technical excellence. CISIN builds more than just apps. Their team of 1000+ experts creates compliant, expandable digital health ecosystems.
How CISIN ensures compliance and scalability
Medicine delivery apps must be compliant. CISIN builds applications with security as a priority. They implement data encryption, secure APIs, and refined development processes.
The company's cloud-native development strategy employs platforms like AWS or Azure to build highly available apps that can grow. CISIN's software development company uses microservices architecture that makes updates easier, isolates faults better, and allows independent scaling, crucial features as your user base grows.
Building a medicine delivery app like 1mg becomes easier with CISIN. They offer detailed pharmacy app development services backed by full regulatory compliance knowledge.
Turn your medicine delivery idea into reality.
Join forces with a team that blends deep healthcare knowledge with top-tier technical excellence.
Conclusion
Medicine delivery apps present an exciting chance in today's healthcare space. Market projections paint a compelling picture - growth from $72.9 billion to $258.6 billion by 2033. These numbers show why this sector needs our attention. This piece walks you through every key aspect of medicine delivery app development.
Understanding different business models helps you place your app in the right spot. You can choose between dedicated pharmacy apps, aggregator platforms, or direct-to-consumer services. Your choice affects how complex the development becomes, what it costs, and how you make money.
A successful medicine delivery app needs a smooth user experience for everyone involved. Your platform's success depends on how well it works for customers, pharmacists, administrators, and delivery staff. On top of that, it needs the right tech stack to perform well and grow with demand.
Money matters vary by a lot based on your app's complexity. Simple versions start at $15,000. Complete platforms with advanced features can cost $150,000 or more. The smart move is to budget for essential features first and create a clear path to market.
Several ways exist to make money - from commission-based models and subscription plans to sponsored listings and affiliate partnerships. Most successful apps combine different methods to create multiple revenue streams.
Teaming up with experienced mobile app developers like CISIN boosts your chances of success. Their expertise in healthcare app development helps you stay clear of common mistakes while meeting strict regulations.
The medicine delivery sector keeps growing as more people prefer convenient digital healthcare solutions. Starting now puts you in a great position to grab market share in this fast-growing field. With good planning, smart feature choices, and expert development help, your medicine delivery app can become a thriving business that serves real healthcare needs and brings substantial returns.
