Ultimate Guide to Develop a Pharmacy App Like Walgreens

• Ashka Panchal
• December 22, 2023
• 6 min read

Finding extra time is like discovering hidden treasure in today’s hustle-and-bustle world. But guess what? Sickness doesn’t care about your schedule! Imagine you are a mom-to-be, rushing through a busy day, and suddenly you need medicine. Who’s got time to swing by the pharmacy? That’s where game-changer apps like Walgreens swoop in.

“Did you know, Walgreens is the second-largest pharmacy company in the USA?”

Walgreens app is like a superhero for delivering medicines across the United States, complete with its own set of superpowers. So, if you are itching to dive into the world of creating an app for your pharmacy business that’s as good as Walgreens, you are in the perfect spot. In this blog, we will reveal all the secrets to make your dream of Walgreens app development a reality.

Key Market Insights

• Walgreens remains the top choice as a pharmacy app with over 12 million downloads.
• In 2023, the global mHealth apps market is anticipated to reach a size of $80.87 billion.
• The United States of America ranks as one of the top countries for healthcare app development.
• Approximately 80% of the people aged 65 in the US have some chronic diseases and need medication reminders all the time.

Source: Fortune Business Insights

About Medicine Delivery App Like Walgreens

One of the largest pharmacy chains in the US, Walgreens Pharmacy is a part of the retail division of Walgreens Boots Alliance. It has over 12 million customers who can buy medicines just by uploading their prescriptions in its app. They have over 8000 drug stores and operate in all 50 cities of the U.S.

The Walgreens pharmacy mobile app also has a special medication reminder feature that lets the user know when to take their pills. For those who have general questions about pills, the built-in chat option lets the users connect with top pharmacists so that they can enquire about the drugs and pricing in a convenient manner.

Image source: Dribbble

Reasons to Develop App like Walgreens for Your Pharmacy Business

As the healthcare industry continues to undergo significant transformations, a mobile app tailored to your pharmacy’s needs can give you a competitive edge and help you meet the evolving demands of your customers. Here are a few reasons why you should consider medicine delivery app development to elevate your pharmacy business.

• Enhanced Customer Convenience

Walgreens clone app provides customers with the convenience of managing their prescriptions, ordering refills, and accessing health-related information from the comfort of their mobile devices. This ease of use fosters customer loyalty and encourages continued engagement with the pharmacy.

• Improved Medication Adherence

The app can include features such as medication reminders and personalized dosage schedules, fostering better adherence to prescribed medications. This not only benefits the users by ensuring they stay on track with their health regimens but also positively impacts the pharmacy’s reputation for promoting responsible healthcare practices.

• Streamlined Communication and Consultations

Facilitating direct communication between pharmacists and customers through the app enables quick consultations, inquiries, and feedback. This enhanced communication channel fosters a sense of trust and accessibility, leading to better customer relationships and potentially increased sales and service utilization.

• Efficient Inventory Management

With features like real-time inventory tracking and automated refill requests, the pharmacy can optimize its stock levels and ensure that essential medications are always available. This efficiency not only improves customer satisfaction but also contributes to the overall operational efficiency of the pharmacy business.

Types of Pharmacy Apps

• Online pharmacy apps: These applications allow you to order prescription and over-the-counter medications online and have them delivered to your doorstep. Examples include Walgreens, 1mg, PharmEasy, and Medlife.
• Pharmacy aggregator apps: These apps help users compare prices and availability of medications at different pharmacies nearby. They also allow you to order medications online. Examples include GoodRx, Blink Health, and ScriptSave WellRx.
• Pharmacy management apps: These kinds of applications are designed for pharmacists and pharmacy staff. They help with tasks such as managing inventory, filling prescriptions, and tracking insurance claims. McKesson Pharmacy Manager, ParataRx, and PioneerRx are such examples.
• Medication Adherence Apps: These apps assist patients in remembering to take their medications on time and track their progress. For example: Medisafe, Pillboxie, and MyMeds.

Also check: Cost to Develop Medicine Delivery App Like 1mg

Essential Features of Walgreens Pharmacy App

If you are looking to build an online pharmacy app similar to Walgreens, it is essential to know the comprehensive set of features that this app offers as it can amplify the potential of your app. Walgreens app has three different panels related to users, admins, and delivery partners.

Steps To Develop an App Like Walgreens?

Here are the key steps that will help you to know how to build an app like Walgreens.

Step 1. Identify Your Unique Identity

Before diving into mobile app development for pharmacies, identify what sets your app apart from others. Consider the specific needs of your target audience and how your app can address those needs uniquely. Walgreens offers convenient pharmacy services, so your app might focus on a distinct feature, such as personalized health tracking or medication reminders.

Step 2. Conduct In-Depth Market Research

Research the pharmacy and healthcare app market to understand your competition, user demographics, and trends. Analyze user reviews of existing apps to identify pain points and areas for improvement. This information will guide your app development process and help you tailor your features to user preferences.

Step 3. Choose Essential Features

Based on your market research, outline the core features your app will offer. Consider functionalities like prescription management, order refills, in-app consultations, and health information databases. Prioritize features that align with your unique value proposition and address the specific needs of your target audience.

Step 4. Select the Appropriate Technology Stack

Selecting the appropriate technology stack is crucial for the performance and scalability of your app. Decide on the programming language, frameworks, and databases that suit your app’s requirements. Ensure your technology choices align with your development team’s expertise.

• For Android – Kotlin or Java
• For iOS – Swift
• Frontend – React.js, HTML, CSS
• Backend – Node.js, Express.js, Python
• Payments – Braintree, PayPal, Stripe, eWallet
• Push notifications – Twilio, Push.io
• Database – MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL
• Cloud Services – AWS, Google Cloud
• Real-Time Analytics – Hadoop, Spark, BigData
• Real-Time Location – Google Maps, Google Places API

Step 5. Ensure Regulatory Compliance Throughout Development

Pharmacy app solutions must adhere to stringent regulatory standards for user safety and data security. Familiarize yourself with healthcare regulations in your target regions and incorporate compliance measures into your app’s development process. This may involve encryption, secure data storage, and adherence to healthcare data protection laws.

Step 6. User-Friendly Interface Design

Create an intuitive and visually appealing user interface (UI). Prioritize user experience by simplifying navigation and ensuring easy access to essential features. Consider the accessibility of your app to cater to users with varying needs and abilities.

Step 7. Implement the Latest Security Measures

Security is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive health information. Employ encryption protocols, secure authentication methods, HIPAA compliance, and data encryption during transmission and storage. Regularly updation of security measures is essential to stay ahead of potential threats.

Also check: A Guide to HIPAA Compliant Mobile App Development

Step 8. Test Rigorously

Conduct thorough testing to identify and address any bugs, glitches, or usability issues. Perform functional, usability, and security testing to ensure a robust and reliable app. Engage real users in beta testing to gather feedback and make necessary improvements.

Step 9. Launch and Market Strategically

Plan a strategic launch for your telemedicine app. Utilize various marketing channels to create awareness, generate interest, and drive downloads. Consider partnerships with healthcare providers or promotional offers to attract users. Leverage social media, app store optimization, and other marketing strategies to maximize visibility.

Step 10. Gather User Feedback and Iterate

After launch, actively seek and collect user feedback. Use this information to identify areas for improvement and iterate on your app. Regular updates based on user input will help keep your app relevant and competitive in the evolving healthcare technology landscape.

How Much Does it Cost to Make an App Like Walgreens?

Guessing the cost of building a medicine delivery app, like the one Walgreens has, is tricky without knowing exactly what you want in your app. The cost can change a lot depending on the features you want to include, the number of platforms (Android, iOS, or both), app complexity, third-party API integration, pharmacy app development company location, etc.

Normally, the cost to develop an app like Walgreens would be around $20,000 to $40,000, or maybe more. When you plan to make an app like this, it’s important to think about your budget and what you have to work with. It might be a good idea to get help from a healthcare app development company to figure out the cost more precisely based on what you want.

Final Thoughts

Online pharmacy app development isn’t just about coding; it’s about transforming healthcare accessibility and delivery. As a prominent medicine delivery app development company, we know the journey toward making a successful application involves meticulous planning, collaboration, and a keen eye on industry trends. The process encompasses defining unique selling points, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering a secure, user-centric experience. So if you are looking to develop an app like Walgreens, consider collaboration with PeppyOcean. We work with HIPPA standards, so we make sure your mobile app is secure and complies with all the necessary regulations.

About: Ashka Panchal

Ashka Panchal is a Business Development Executive as well as Business Analyst at XongoLab Technologies LLP & PeppyOcean and is qualified as a technical mediator between the company and the client. She adopts an analytical approach to different business domains in her content to help clients; mostly entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses to flourish and grow. Some of the topics that she highlights are business, technology, and on-demand mobile applications.

View all posts

You may also like

Top 17 Features to Consider While Building a Hotel Booking App

• Chirag Vaghasiya

The hospitality industry has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. Gone are the days of flipping through endless travel brochures or relying solely on phone calls for reservations. Today, travelers crave a seamless, digital experience, and hotel booking apps have become the undisputed champions in fulfilling that desire. But these apps are more than… Read More

18 Taxi App Features You Can’t Overlook While Building Uber Clone

• Ashka Panchal

Remember the days of flagging down cabs or waiting on hold for travel? Uber revolutionized the taxi business with its seamless app-based ride-hailing service. Launched in 2009, Uber’s user-friendly platform and focus on convenience quickly propelled it to global dominance. Today, it boasts millions of users and drivers worldwide, forever altering how we navigate our… Read More

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Medicine Delivery App?

• Chirag Vaghasiya

From education and finance to travel and leisure, there’s hardly an industry untouched by the profound influence of digital advancements. A prominent area that’s being significantly transformed by the technological evolution is the healthcare industry. Specifically, the inception of medicine delivery apps has emerged as a game-changer. Gone are the days of waiting in long… Read More