Medlife launches prescription-based, 24X7, free e-consultation services

To tackle the growing menace of irresponsible use of prescription drugs in India, Medlife, a Bengaluru-based health technology company and online pharmacy, has launched 24X7 e-consultation services. In an industry boggled by unethical practices, Medlife is determined to abide by statutory requirements to sell prescription drugs, like antibiotics, only against valid doctor's prescriptions.

As per the law, the prescription must include the date, doctor's name, doctor's registration number, patient details, drug dosage information, strength of the medicine, duration of the course, and signature of the doctor. Old prescriptions or previous bills cannot be used as a substitute.

In the absence of a valid prescription, Medlife offers free e-consultation services, whereby patients can tele-consult with over 100 general physicians and specialists across India. Above and beyond facilitating a valid prescription, the e-consultation is a quick and convenient way to get a timely diagnosis as well as a second opinion in certain cases, especially in places where prompt access to medical services is a challenge.

Backed by promoters with credible experience in pharmaceutical and healthcare e-commerce businesses, Medlife aims to be more than just an online medicine delivery platform. The ambition is to be a pioneering healthcare hub that brings all stakeholders together with a holistic approach.

"The irrational use of antibiotics and other drugs has contributed to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. To curb this menace, we need an overhaul in the way healthcare businesses work. At Medlife, our vision is to establish a healthcare delivery system that is ethical, simple, accessible and affordable," said CEO Medlife, Tushar Kumar.

"When customers purchase prescription drugs from Medlife, the original prescription is stamped and returned along with the order delivery. As per law, we need two copies of the original prescription provided by the doctor, as one copy will be retained for our records and the other will be returned to the customer after it is stamped. Further, to ensure that only genuine medications reach our customers, we buy directly from company-appointed wholesalers. As a company, we are striving to be the change that we seek," added Kumar.

Founded by Tushar Kumar and Prashant Singh in 2014, Medlife today has emerged as one of the frontrunners in enabling better access to healthcare by offering an array of app-based online consultation, pharmaceutical and related services across India.

The company has created a unique platform in one of the fastest growing markets in the world, and this platform can be the foundation of India's leading healthcare services business in the years ahead.