India is the third-largest pharmaceutical market globally by volume and is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030. Following the pandemic, health awareness has skyrocketed, making pharmacies a highly profitable venture. While starting an independent medical store involves regulatory hurdles and significant capital, buying a pharmacy franchise simplifies the process.
Franchisees benefit from brand recognition, established supply chains, and better pricing. Entrepreneurs can also opt for online pharmacy franchises, a growing trend in India’s $27+ billion pharma export ecosystem. This model offers lower setup costs and flexible hours but demands strong delivery logistics and seamless digital payment systems. In this article, we will explore the top pharmacy franchise businesses in India and how you can get started.
India’s Booming Pharmacy Market: A Glimpse into 2025 and Beyond
- India’s pharmacy market is set to touch US$44.05 billion in 2025, and the momentum is only building.
- With a steady CAGR of 4.8% (2025–2029), it’s projected to grow to a massive US$53.13 billion by 2029.
- While the U.S. leads globally with over US$403 billion in revenue, India is rising fast, with US$30.28 billion in revenue per person in 2025 alone.
10 Best Pharmacy Franchise Options for Entrepreneurs in India
Starting a pharmacy franchise in India in 2025 can be a highly profitable and stable business, especially if aligned with the right brand. With rising health consciousness, booming e-pharmacies, and government support, the pharma retail sector is ripe for growth.
These top 10 brands offer a mix of affordability, brand recognition, and solid operational support. Moreover, they are ideal for both first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned investors; they ensure quicker setup and smoother operations.
DavaIndia Generic Pharmacy
| Founded | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Stores | 550+ across 23 states |
| Initial Investment | INR 6–7 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 1.5 lakhs |
| Space Required | Min. 200 sq. ft |
DavaIndia, a venture by Zota Healthcare Ltd., is a fast-growing pharmacy chain focused on affordable generic medicines. With the same active ingredients as branded drugs, DavaIndia offers quality healthcare at a fraction of the price. Since launching its first store in 2017, it has scaled rapidly across India. Ideal for entrepreneurs interested in pharma, ayurveda, or nutraceuticals, this low-investment franchise offers strong margins and rising consumer demand.
Ashwini
MedPlus
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Stores | 3,500+ pan India |
| Initial Investment | INR 12–15 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 5 lakhs |
| Space Required | 300 sq. ft and above |
MedPlus is one of India’s largest and most trusted pharmacy chains, offering medicines, diagnostics, and general wellness products. With a hybrid offline-online presence, it provides franchisees access to its centralized procurement system, tech platform, and customer loyalty programs. Ideal for those seeking scale and consistency.
SastaSundar Healthbuddy
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Stores | 200+ |
| Initial Investment | INR 5–8 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 2 lakhs |
| Space Required | Min. 150 sq. ft |
SastaSundar offers both online and offline pharmacy solutions with a focus on affordable, authentic medicines. Backed by Flipkart (Walmart), it combines digital convenience with retail reach. The “Healthbuddy” franchise model allows partners to offer medicines, wellness products, and lab tests under one roof, making it ideal for Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
PharmEasy
| Founded | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Stores | 250+ |
| Initial Investment | INR 11–12 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 2.5–3 lakhs |
| Space Required | 250–300 sq. ft |
PharmEasy, one of India’s top e-pharmacy platforms, has entered the offline space with tech-integrated retail stores. Franchisees benefit from PharmEasy’s strong brand recall, tech support, and online-to-offline customer flow. It’s ideal for those looking to enter a future-ready pharmacy model backed by deep digital capabilities.
Muskaan Kapoor
Care Pharmacy
| Founded | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Stores | 100+ (primarily in South India) |
| Initial Investment | INR 6–10 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 2.5–5 lakhs |
| Space Required | 250 sq. ft |
Care Pharmacy offers a wide range of medicines, surgicals, and personal care products, with a focus on affordability and community trust. It supports its franchisees with inventory sourcing, digital billing tools, and staff training.
Living Healthy 24
| Founded | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Franchising Since | 2019 |
| Initial Investment | INR 20 lakhs onwards |
| Space Required | 200–400 sq. ft |
Living Healthy 24 is an integrated healthcare service brand launched by Culmination Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Built around the vision of “Healthcare for All,” the brand offers a complete suite of services, including authentic medicines, diagnostic tests, and doctor consultations, all under one roof. It is also set to expand its digital presence through a health portal and mobile app to enhance accessibility and convenience for users.
Sanjivani Pharmacy
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Franchising Since | 2015 |
| Franchise Units | 200+ |
| Initial Investment | INR 13–15 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 2.5 lakhs |
Sanjivani Pharmacy is a fast-growing pharmaceutical retail chain offering a wide range of branded, generic, Ayurvedic, and wellness products. With its mission to provide affordable healthcare, the brand supports franchisees with supply chain access, store design, marketing, and operational training. Entrepreneurs can opt for offline retail outlets or explore the online pharmacy model, which the brand actively promotes in emerging markets.
EMEDIX
| Founded | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Franchising Since | 2018 |
| Initial Investment | INR 5 lakhs onwards |
EMEDIX is a tech-enabled pharmaceutical retail brand committed to bridging the healthcare access gap between urban and rural India. Initially launched as an online pharmacy, EMEDIX now offers a hybrid model combining doorstep medicine delivery, digital prescriptions, and flexible payment solutions. It aims to make quality healthcare accessible even in remote regions by allowing customers to upload prescriptions digitally and receive timely deliveries.
Medspres
| Founded | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Franchising Since | 2021 |
| Franchise Units | 100+ |
| Initial Investment | INR 6–8 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 1.5–2 lakhs |
Medspres is a rising player in India’s pharmacy franchise landscape, offering branded and generic medicines, wellness products, and healthcare essentials under one roof. Known for its competitive pricing and lean franchise model, Medspres supports partners with supply chain integration, inventory training, and store setup assistance. Its flexible franchise plans, low startup costs, and operational guidance make it an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities looking for a stable healthcare business.
Medlife Pharmacy
| Founded | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Franchising Since | 2017 |
| Franchise Units | 800+ |
| Initial Investment | INR 1–3 lakhs |
| Franchise Fee | INR 20,000 |
Medlife International Pvt. Ltd., founded by Tushar Kumar and Prashant Singh, started as India’s largest online pharmacy, delivering over 20,000 medicines across 29 states. The brand recently diversified into offline retail by launching its Medlife Pharmacy franchise model, offering a low-cost entry for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The pharmaceutical industry in India is not just booming – it is undergoing a rapid transformation. With increasing healthcare awareness, rising demand in Tier 2 and 3 cities, and a massive shift towards digital healthcare, pharmacy franchises offer a rare blend of profitability, purpose, and scalability.
You can step into a recession-proof, high-growth industry with pharmacy franchises’ backing of trusted brands, proven business models, and strong supply chains, whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced investor. Pharmacy franchises may be your best bet for combining business and impact, delivering essential medicines while building wealth.
Dev Gupta
FAQs
How much investment is required to start a pharmacy franchise in India?
Initial investments typically range from INR 1 lakh to INR 20 lakhs, depending on the brand and store model.
Is opening a pharmacy franchise profitable in India?
Yes, opening a pharmacy franchise in India is highly profitable due to rising health awareness, increased demand post-pandemic, and growth in e-pharmacy trends.
What is the minimum space required for a pharmacy franchise in India?
The required space typically ranges from 150 to 400 sq. ft, depending on the franchise.
