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Quick commerce leader Blinkit has begun piloting 10-minute delivery of prescription medicines in select areas of Bengaluru, marking a major step in its ongoing expansion into healthcare services. Previously offering only over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, Blinkit now includes prescription-based medicines such as antibiotics, eye drops, nasal sprays, antihistamines, and ointments as part of its new pilot program.
In a customer-friendly twist, the company has also introduced free doctor consultations for users placing a medicine order. This feature allows customers to obtain prescriptions if they are unable to upload one or if their submitted prescription is found invalid.
The move is part of Blinkit’s broader push into the healthtech space. Earlier this year, the Zomato-owned company launched a 10-minute ambulance service in parts of Gurugram. According to Deepinder Goyal, CEO of parent company Eternal, the ambulance fleet has expanded from 5 to 12 vehicles, now covering nearly half of Gurugram. Goyal also revealed plans to launch an in-house paramedic training program.
“We’ve handled nearly 600 emergency calls so far, with half being critical cases. Our ambulances now reach patients within 10 minutes in 83% of cases,” Goyal wrote in a July 24 post on X.
Blinkit’s entry into ultra-fast prescription medicine delivery comes as competition heats up in the quick commerce and healthtech sectors. PhonePe’s Pincode, Swiggy (via PharmEasy), and startups like Plazza and Farmako are also racing to capture the fast-growing instant medicine delivery market. Tata 1mg and Apollo 24/7 are reportedly working on similar pilots.
As quick commerce evolves beyond groceries and daily essentials, healthcare is becoming the next major frontier for players seeking to deliver convenience at speed.
