Small independent pharmacies across Mumbai are gearing up for a fight with the quick commerce giants, known to be actively entering the retail pharmacy domain. The modern pharmacy of today is increasingly adept at streamlining processes using technology, superior medical knowledge and exacting service standards. However, a technology lead battle is brewing to retain the trust of customers while providing the ease of convenience. Accustomed so far to localized inventory software, and using independent B2B procurement platforms like Pharmarak and Redbook, the local pharmacy has balanced complex pharmaceutical procurement with local medicine demand and working capital requirements.
However, with the rise of pharma quick-com, the local pharmacy must adapt by partnering or developing consumer facing technologies as well. Given the contribution of quick commerce to the closure of vast number of local kirana stores, the local pharmacy is now switching to digital order management with easy reordering and prescription compliance, along with advanced data insights for just-in-time inventory management. Companies such as DavaNinja claim to have partnered with over 70+ pharmacies across Mumbai for online demand aggregation and using AI for inventory planning, while providing a customer facing app to patients to quickly and conveniently order medicines. A Mr. Udai Chopra, Co-Founder of DavaNinja suggests “Local pharmacies have so far managed customer orders via phone calls and WhatsApp. However, given the new entrants to the pharma domain, the local pharmacy is adopting new ways of doing business, opening their catalogue for digital visibility on apps like DavaNinja, that attract customers, manage logistics and use AI to improve their working capital efficiency”
Such new developments powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of data analytics can yield results or actionable insights for real-time decisions regarding financial profitability in local pharmacies., these business evolutions allow local pharmacies to compete through innovative practices while continuing to deliver excellent, consumer-based patient care.
Strengthening the Neighbourhood Chemist:
For a long time, chemists in the community have been the first point of care trusted for information, convenience, and a familiar face. Digital tools are allowing chemists to evolve without losing that personal touch in their interactions with patients. From automated billing to simple cloud-based dashboards, community chemists can track inventory, reduce manual errors, and provide timely service. This combination of tradition and technology means community chemists will always be approachable and modern, providing patients with care that is personal but efficient.
Digitisation of Inventory & Supply Chains:
Having a shortage of a medicine, or getting handed something that is past its expiration date, can destroy patient trust instantly. Technology alleviates this pain point by giving pharmacies control over their shelf stock. An AI-driven reorder system anticipates stock demands based on seasonality and prescription trends so that you are sure to have life-saving medicines in stock. Blockchain-backed tracking confirms that every tablet is authentic, and traceable, ensuring quality and trust in what is provided. For chemists, this means less wastage, less worry, and improved productivity; for patients, this means timely, reliable access to their treatment. A pharmacy that can offer “your medicines are always in stock” will become the patients’ go-to choice.
Last-Mile Delivery & Quick Commerce in Healthcare:
In a world where groceries and meals can now be delivered in minutes, patients have started to expect the same for medicines. Rapid commerce has changed everything in terms of convenience, and local pharmacies are no longer left out. Through partnerships with Quick Commerce services like that of DavaNinja, chemists become hyperlocal fulfilment centers for the delivery of medicines securely and in minutes. Consumers get visibility and tracking, OTP-verified handover, and know the order was received from a trusted chemist in their village. Instead of walking to the local shop, we now conduct the whole process through a digital platform. It now offers local pharmacies the opportunity to compete with national chains but keeping healthcare within the community.
Extending Reach Beyond Walk-Ins:
Healthcare is no longer confined to whoever comes through the store’s glass door. Connectivity allows chemists to have an impact well beyond their immediate surroundings. Small chemists can now sustainably serve customers over a broader geography through digital platforms, apps, and online consultation tie-ins. They can send timely reminders to refill prescriptions, process digital orders, and offer subscription-based refills. For patients, this means less last-minute running to the pharmacy; for chemists, it means predictable business and a whole new array of customers. In essence, when they leap from behind the counter, neighbourhood chemists become healthcare partners that are meaningful not just for the person next door, but also four or five miles away.
Frictionless Access to Medicines:
More than anything, patients want certainty. Is there medicine in stock? How long will it take? Technologies can use near real-time pharmacy inventory management to provide that certainty. Patients can increasingly check availability before deciding to come to the pharmacy to place their order, saving them wasted trips and waiting time. A digital-first chemist also allows for a seamless prescription submission with speedier dispensing. Especially for patients with chronic illness, this certainty has life-altering benefits. No more worrying about logistics, they can simply worry about their recovery. Local chemists can offer healthcare that is faster but also infinitely more reassuring at each stage using these sorts of tools.
Trust Anchored at the Core:
Although technology can improve convenience, trust still serves as the cornerstone of pharmacy culture. Transparent pricing, verified sourcing and secure payment systems give customers reassurance that not only are they getting the best price, but they are also getting real medicine. Prescription checks and pill reminders help reaffirm that trust, keeping patients on track with their treatments. While faceless technology platforms may provide a product, a community pharmacist is still open to provide a smile, a bit of advice, and some stewardship. The practice of pharmacy combines trust and technology to create a great healthcare experience, where customers can enjoy the efficiencies of modern technology, without losing the human reassurance only local pharmacists can provide.
Strengthening the Chemist’s Business Model:
For small chemists, the shift to digital is about more than survival it’s about creating new growth. Aggregating demand across neighbourhoods means a higher margin and turnover for chemists, still keeping them part of their community networks. Adding online ordering, subscription, and delivery means additional revenue streams without the replacement of the physical store. This dual model creates resilience for chemists operating in a healthcare environment heavily influenced by large e-pharmacy companies. It ultimately means that the future of medicine retail isn’t just big and corporate, it is also local, familiar, and sustainable.
By embracing technology, small chemists can modernize operations, enhance patient care, and remain competitive without compromising trust. Platforms like DavaNinja demonstrate that digital tools, data-driven insights, and AI-enabled solutions empower local pharmacies to grow sustainably while maintaining the personal, reliable service that keeps communities coming back.
