Online Medicine Delivery App Development: A Complete Cost & Feature Breakdown

Every path breaking invention was once a legit problem. Someone noticed it, estimated its potential, worked on creating a solution, and just changed how people lived. 

For example, can you imagine a life without UberEats, Uber Cabs, Netflix, and more? The way the world is transforming and adapting to digitalization is a pleasure to see, to say the least.  

But one thing that took time to be online is the medical industry. With its own norms, legalities, and regulations, it was a complex task for the healthcare/medical sector to access digitalization, like other sectors. 

Now that it has paved its way to the online world, healthcare businesses are already considering how to utilize its potential. Hence, the first one to jump in this bandwagon was pharmaceuticals and consider medicine delivery app development.  

Medicine Delivery App Development: Need of the Hour

Just like any other sector, medication and healthcare services have also realised the need to provide convenient access. Thus, leading to a rise in demand for medicine delivery app development. Just like medicine delivery apps, medicine courier delivery business has also picked its pace to ensure medicines are reached to its users timely, safely, and conveniently. Thus, bridging the gap of demand-supply, and time. 

Online Pharmacy Industry: Market Projections

Online pharmacy industry/digital health market is booming. The published report by Statista clearly defines how the market will shape in the near future. Let us have a quick look at the numbers to understand why investing in a digital medicine delivery app is a good idea for businesses. 

• Digital health market revenue is projected to reach USD 197.88B by end of 2025.
• The annual CAGR is expected to grow at 6.88%, resulting in a projected market size of USD 258.25B by 2029. 
• An average spend per user, or the average revenue per user(ARPU) is expected to stand at USD 135.28. 
• The United States of America is expected to generate the most revenue, USD 54B in 2025, in comparison to other countries. 
• 2 biggest contributing sectors will be digital treatment and care to generate a revenue of total USD 122.01B in 2025. 

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Types of Business Models for Medicine Delivery Apps

Here are the 6 main types of business models suited for medicine delivery apps. Each of these cater to varied operational strategies, goals, market needs, and scalability.

1. Pharmacy-to-Consumer Model

It is the concept of individual pharmacies opting for pharmacy app development to create their own app for medicine delivery and cater to consumers needs online. 

Key Features: 

• Real-time management of inventory
• Integration with local courier partners
• Enhanced customer engagement and loyalty

Best Suited for:

Chain or standalone pharmacies looking to expand their presence and reach more customers.

2. Aggregator Model

This medical delivery app works as a platform that lists multiple pharmacies/medicines. Customers can upload their prescription, browse, compare prices, and order from the pharmacy that suits best to their needs. 

Key Features: 

• Commission-based revenue model
• Multi-vendor platform
• In-app reviews & ratings for pharmacies

Best Suited for: 

Any startup that is aiming to create a scalable healthcare platform without the hassle of owning the inventory. 

3. Subscription Based Model

A model where users subscribe to receive their medicines in a defined time gap (for example, monthly medicine refill).

Key Features:

• Automation of recurring orders
• Rewards and discounts to keep customers engaged
• Recurring loyal customer base

Best Suited for: 

If you want pharmacy delivery app development that caters to patients with long-term medication needs.

4. Online Pharmacy or Online Medicine Delivery App

A digital pharmacy business that solely runs online and is available to customers directly through its app. 

Key Features:

• Direct to consumer business model
• Integrated licenses and compliances for E-Pharmacy
• Requirement of warehouse and delivery infrastructure

Best Suited for:

Pharmacy/medicine startups with sufficient fundings for in-house fulfillment operations.

5. Telemedicine + Online Medicine App Hybrid

This type of app is a combination of virtual doctor consultation with direct medicine delivery- creating an end-to-ned seamless experience for patients.

Key Features: 

• Integration of E-prescription
• Modules for virtual consultation
• End-to-end consumer engagement

Best Suited for: 

Businesses looking to develop full-stack healthcare solutions. 

The market is filled with ideas to monetize the healthcare sector. Consider a thorough market research or read our curated blog on startup ideas to enter healthcare business. 

Step-by-Step Guide For Medicine Delivery App Development Process

Creating a medical delivery app is a complex, but achievable process if you take the right route. It is a process that is not just about writing codes, but creating a platform that is customer-centric, unique from competitors, and built on the latest technologies like AI and Blockchain. 

Here are the key steps that are crucial for any successful pharmacy delivery app development. 

1. Do a thorough market research and analysis

It is crucial for any successful pharmaceutical business to thoroughly analyze the market, its trends, gaps, and customer needs before even building the sitemap of the app. 

• Focus on examining the advantages and gaps of competitors to fill those gaps in your app. 
• Set your customer profile. Define your target audience, demographics, and geographies.
• Consider the latest trends such as, telemedicines, quick commerce, subscription models, and more. 

2. Define your USP

What makes your app special? Why should users choose you? These are some of the top 2 questions that you need to answer before building your app as this will define your positioning in the market. Later it will also play a crucial role in your marketing and communication. 

Here are few things you can consider:

1. Offer express delivery
2. Enable patient-doctor consultation
3. Enable 24/7 medicine delivery
4. Offer rare medicines

3. Plan the functionality of the app

Next up is the logic or functionality of the app. You will have to think in detail about the flow of the app for the user. From their starting point to how they will flow inside up till checkout, payment and tracking. It does not stop here. You will also have to think for post-sales connections like sending notifications and bringing them back to shop again. 

The reason why all of this planning needs to be done beforehand is because it is then APIs are integrated into the code. 

4. Consider the legalities

There is no doubt that the pharmaceuticals market is highly regulated. Therefore, it is best to address legal complications well in advance. 

• Ensure your business/app complies with data protection laws. 
• Obtain licenses and permits well in advance
• Ensure your app only stores medical prescriptions as per regulations defined. 

5. Ensure medicine delivery app development is done with correct technology stack

The choice of tech stack for your medicine delivery app is crucial. It is the entire foundation of building a successful business. To build a scalable and intelligent app, a strong front-end and backend are non-negotiable. As on the bottomline technologies will depend on the speed of operations, data security, and scalability of the app. 

While Flutter or React Native are best for frontend, as they allow seamless integration cross-platform applications. For backend, Python and Node.js have the best capabilities to suit the business needs, as these technologies are built to provide assistance with inventory management, secure payments, and faster order processing. 

In the medical domain, user data is highly sensitive and must be protected. In lieu of this, where on one side the US market has set strict HIPAA compliances, the European market wants businesses to comply with GDPR, so that apps working with medical data can be trusted by the users. 

Best opted technology not only simplifies your application, but also ensures it is able to scale without the need of additional costs to be involved. This factor comes into play in later terms when you plan to expand. 

6. UI/UX of your online medicine app

The success of your pharmacy delivery app depends on its well-structured interface. A systematic and clean interface with visible buttons and call-to-action make the in-flow user flow easier. 

Some of the best UI/UX app development practices suggest that the healthcare app must have user-friendly search experiences, filters should include drug type, delivery time, brand, dosage, and more. Custom features of push notifications and purchase history play a crucial role in user engagement too. 

Additionally, it should also have business supporting features like inventory management, supply-chain tracking, delivery processing, and more. 

7. Medicine delivery app development: frontend and backend

For an app for medicine delivery to function seamlessly, a well-defined integration of front-end and backend are crucial. 

Because the frontend is responsible for handling user interactions, technologies like react native, Kotlin for android, and swift for iOS are majorly used. 

The backend acts as the engine of the system, managing inventories, processing orders, and managing support. Therefore, the best suited backend framework will include Node.js, laravel, and Django with databases like MangoDB or PostgreSQL to store catalogues, orders, and transaction history. 

For real-time assistance capabilities like customer chat and order tracking, artificial intelligence (AI) tools Websockets and push notifications can be integrated. Additional features like batch order processing also helps pharmacies to handle surge in demand during peak times. 

8. Testing the app for quality

A thorough end-to-end testing of an app is crucial to ensure it is working reliably on all platforms. The testing process will include: 

• Functional testing: to test critical pages like payments, checkout, file uploads, and order tracking. 
• Usability testing: to ensure self-explanatory conduct of the app for users of all demographics.
• Performance analysis: take assistance in checking the app under high-traffic conditions. 
• Security: application complies with laws and regulations. Also, ensure it is mentioned on your app. 

9. Launching the App

Launching the app might be considered the end of the process, but it actually is just the beginning of a long-term effort of building the business. Collaborate with partners, upload inventory, market your app, and work on bringing more active users to finally begin to scale your presence in the market. 

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Features of a Cutting-Edge Medicine Delivery App

An efficient online delivery app for medicines require a robust set of features to cut through the competition. Here’s a list of features that you must include to make your app compliant, smooth, and user-friendly. 

User-Panel Features

1. User onboarding and login
   1. Signup through phone/email
   2. Access through social logins
   3. Enabling 2 factor authentication

2. Prescription file upload
   1. Camera access to scan/upload files
   2. Doctor verification, if needed. 

3. Product search & filters
   1. Search by category, brand, name
   2. Sort by prices
   3. Filters of price, availability, and alternate brands

4. Product Page
   1. Information about the medicine, dosage, and manufacturer’s details
   2. Reviews, alternate suggestions, and expiry date

5. Cart & Wishlist
   1. Options to add or remove medicines
   2. Wishlist products for future purchases

6. Placing or scheduling the order
   1. Confirm purchase
   2. Add delivery information

7. Payment options & details
   1. Access to multiple payment gateways
   2. Ensure usage of secure and compliant gateways

8. Order tracking information
   1. Real-time order status tracking
   2. Push notification for delivery updates

9. In-app customer support
   1. Chat and call support options for instant customer support

10.  App review & rating
    1. Feedback on overall experience, products, and delivery services

Business Panel Features

1. Partner registration & profile
   1. Business details, location, and license

2. Inventory management
   1. Manage product catalogue
   2. Update stock and prices

3. Order management
   1. Track incoming orders
   2. Accept or reject stock based on prescription

4. Verification of prescription
   1. Options to manually verify prescriptions
   2. Options to approve/reject/request clarifications

5. Access to dashboard
   1. Access to analytics and reports of sales. Consumer trends, orders, inventory, and predictive analytics. 

Delivery Panel Features

1. Login for delivery agent
   1. Delivery agent profile setup

2. Order information and route navigation
   1. Accept orders for delivery
   2. Access GPS navigation to access accurate customer location

3. Enable proof of delivery
   1. E Signature
   2. Photo confirmation

Admin Panel Features

1. User & business management
   • Add, verify, accept/reject users and partners

2. Order and transactions management
   • Monitor orders, disputes and transactions

3. Panel for prescription and compliance review
   • Set standards to ensure uploaded prescription meets legal standards

4. Notifications & promotions
   • Send alters, notifications, updates, offers via in-app integrations

5. Analytics
   • Detailed insights into performance and operations

Advanced, optional but valuable, features

• Integrate telemedicine feature for in-app doctor consultation
• Medicine recommendations through artificial intelligence (AI)
• Include subscription plans for recurring prescriptions
• Offer multilingual support
• Opt for cloud based architecture for seamless scalability
• Stay HIPAA/GDPR compliant to ensure trust and data security

How Much Does it Cost to Develop Medicine Delivery App

Medical delivery app development cost can vary significantly due to several factors attached to it. Some of these factors include app’s complexity, development team’s geography, and the amount of features to be included while building the app. Mentioned below is a complexity wise tentative medicine delivery app development costs that will incur during the process: 

How is the Medicine Delivery App Development Cost Calculated?

Medicine delivery app development company use a simple formula to calculate cost of custom iOS and android mobile app development services provided by them.

It is…

Total cost = development hours X hourly rate

Additionally, other charges, if any, are added and development costs are communicated to the client. 

Factors Affecting Healthcare App Development Cost

Listed down are the key factors affecting the cost of healthcare app development:

1. Complexity of the app and its features

The more features an app will include, more will be the charges to develop and deploy those features in the app. Such additional features can be prescription upload, live chat support, AI-enabled recommendations, order tracking and more. 

2. Choice of platform: Android, iOS or both

Developing an omni-platform app costs more than a uni-platform app as it increases the time of development to cater to the needs of both the platforms. 

3. Design differentiation

A unique design and flow of the app will require more time and expert designers to bring the vision to life. This is critical while creating apps catering to diverse age groups and demographics. 

4. Third-party API integrations

Integration of GPS tracking, inventory and pharmacies management system, AI-based chat support, payment gateways and licensing implementation are some of the crucial and consuming processes during app building. 

5. App Backend Infrastructure

Backend is the brain of your entire application infrastructure. Therefore, it is created on secure and scalable technologies of Node.js, Django, or cloud-based services to manage data, users, and transactions. Such superior technologies are a costly affair to undertake. 

6. Securing app to make is regulatory compliant

It is important for healthcare apps to be compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, or any other geographically important regulations. To attain this goal, an app has to be end-to-end encrypted, must have secure logins, and a data privacy system. As a result, this adds to the overall increase in the budget. 

7. Development team’s location and experience

Opting for custom iOS and android app development services from an expert medicine delivery app development company in India can be more cost-effective than most of the western countries, also ensuring better quality of application. 

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Why Medicine Delivery App Development is Critical to Your Business

While you already know about some of the benefits you can yield from your medical delivery app, here are listed some more business essential benefits you can instantly earn from your investment. 

1. Wider customer reach

Digitalization of your pharmacy helps you reach people beyond your existing geography. It helps you reach customers beyond your physical reach, i.e. patients in remote or unserved areas. Just create a strong delivery network to unleash this potential. 

2. 24/7 medicine delivery accessibility

Unlike any traditional pharmacy, medicine delivery apps offer round-the-clock access to the users and allows them to place the order. Leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. 

3. Streamlined business operations

Using AI to automate business features like order management, inventory management, order dispatching and tracking, increase operational efficiency and significantly reduces manual workload. 

4. Increased customer satisfaction & retention

While on one side, the app gives customers an ease to access and delivery of their medicines, businesses can also put to use in-app marketing features of push notifications, personalised offers, and reminders to retain customer business and increase loyalty. 

5. Data-driven decision making

Real-time analytics and reports help in tracking customer behavior and making strategic decisions for inventory planning and creating marketing plans. 

6. Significant advantage over competitors

Having a mobile app for your pharmacy business allows you to be present in the hands of your customer at any time of the day. This makes you the first choice while making a purchase, giving you that much needed competitive advantage. 

7. Integration with telemedicine/telehealth

If you go a step further and pair your medicine delivery app with telehealth (doctor consultation on call), it allows end-to-end healthcare solution- complete care right from the convenience from home for your buyers. Why will they go anywhere else then?

8. Multiple revenue streams

Apps enable revenue diversification with multiple streams such as medicine sales, delivery charges, subscription plans, and featured listing. 

Build Your Online Pharmacy with Xicom

Xicom Technologies is a leading medicine delivery app development company providing android and custom iOS app development services to healthcare clients. With our expertise and seasoned AI and blockchain developers, we specialize in building intuitive, secure, scalable, and customizable apps for your business. 

• 20+ Years of Experience
• 350+ IT Professionals
• 1500+ Clients Worldwide
• 7500+ Projects Executed
• Certification:
  • ISO 9001 CERTIFIED
  • NASSCOM & STPI ACCREDITATION
  • CMMI Level 3
  • Deloitte Technology Fast 50, 2024
  • INC 5000

Even if you have a slight idea of developing an online pharmacy or healthcare app, worry not because our experts will develop a medicine delivery app for your company exactly how you have envisioned it.

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