InstaMed VS Apollo Pharmacy: Which Pharmacy is The Right Fit For You In Mumbai?

The internet has made the procedure for getting medications much simpler and more convenient.

Prescription medications can be ordered online from licensed chemists and delivered to the

closest delivery location by patients. The E-Pharmacy model, which is immensely user-friendly

and expanding quickly, is starting to displace traditional pharmacies. InstaMed and Apollo

Pharmacy are two such competing e-pharmacy models that provide pharmaceutical delivery

services in Mumbai.

Here is a guide that will help you decide which one is the better fit for you.

Limitation of Store Locations

InstaMed is an app that is localized to Mumbai. Hence, they have spent time time curating a

network of trusted pharmacies all over the city. Furthermore, they have access to pharmacies

across Mumbai which helps in reducing their delivery time, whereas Apollo picks up orders from

pharmacies within their franchise only which is a limiting factor.

The Difference in Delivery Time

Due to the difference in access to pharmacies between the two apps, there is a significant

difference in their delivery time. Instamed offers an assured delivery of your medicines at your

doorstep in 30 minutes. Many of Apollo Pharmacy’s reviews mention not receiving time-

sensitive emergency medicines even after one week of placing an order and terrible customer

service when you go to complain. Instamed’s team offers a quick investigation of your concern

and a resolution of complaints that is to the customer’s satisfaction.

Areas of Specialisation

A common complaint amongst users of Apollo 24/7 (Apollo Pharmacy’s digital app) is regarding

its additional services like lab tests, online consultations and insurance plans. This includes

complaints like delayed results, free follow-up checkups being offered at additional charges, no

confirmation of booked consultations, etc. Its services as a medical clinic in the real world have

not transitioned well in the virtual medium. InstaMed faces no such issues. Its model does not

branch out to cover consultations or lab tests or have insurance plans. This allows them to

specialize in and keep bettering what they do offer their customers i.e. assured delivery of

medicines in 30 minutes.

Both are Free for Customers

While many e-pharmacies have premium models you need to subscribe to in order to access

exclusive benefits, both InstaMed and Apollo Pharmacy offer their users access to all of its

discounts and features for free.

Mode of Payment

InstaMed has a limited amount of payment modes with cash on delivery being the only facility

given to its user. Apollo Pharmacy offers its customers several payment options like COD, UPI,

net banking, credit/debit card, etc.

Accessible Through Website & App

Both apps are available on the internet in the form of a website as well as an app that can be

downloaded through Play Store as well as App Store. Moreover, they both have an easy-to-use

interface that can be figured out even by the most technologically challenged user.

Conclusion

Apollo Pharmacy is a larger, more well-established company whose reach is across India.

However, it faces grave competition in Mumbai, where InstaMed is beginning to make a name

for itself with its quick delivery and affordable, user-friendly model.