Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Quick-commerce platforms raise health concerns in India
Quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit are now allowing users to buy prescription medicines online in some parts of India.
While this makes it easier for people to get medicines quickly, doctors are worried.
They say these platforms might lead to too many antibiotics being prescribed, which can make people sick.
Doctors also think that these quick consultations might not be as good as seeing a doctor in person.
There are also concerns about fake medicines and not following the rules.
The government needs to make sure these platforms are safe and follow the rules.
Quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit are piloting a program to sell prescription medicines in Bangalore.
Doctors are concerned about the overprescription of antibiotics and the normalization of quick, superficial consultations.
Antibiotic resistance in India is high, with 83% resistance levels and 23.5% resistance to last-line antibiotics.
E-pharmacies operate in a legal grey zone, bypassing safeguards like the requirement for registered pharmacists to dispense medicines.
While e-pharmacies improve accessibility and affordability, they need strong regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety and ethical practices.
- Who
- Quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, doctors, patients, and regulatory bodies
- What
- The rollout of a pilot program allowing users to purchase prescription medicines through quick-commerce platforms
- When
- Currently being piloted in select locations in Bangalore
- Where
- India, specifically Bangalore
- Why
- To provide quick and hassle-free access to medicines, but it raises concerns about overprescription and antibiotic resistance
- Antibiotic Prescriptions
- 412 per 1,000 persons per year in 2019
- Unnecessary Antibiotic Prescriptions
- 76.3% across primary and secondary health centres
- Antibiotic Resistance in India
- Exceeds 83%, with 23.5% resistance to carbapenems
- Regulatory Laws
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940), Pharmacy Act (1948), Indian Medical Council Act (1956), Information Technology Act (2000)
- E-pharmacy Regulations
- Only registered pharmacists may dispense medicines under Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act