Amazon said Tuesday they will be launching an online drug store for US customers, who will have the option to arrange physician recommended meds straightforwardly from the web based business goliath’s site or portable application.
The move comes two years after Amazon gained PillPack, a web drug store offering pre-arranged portion bundling and home conveyance.
“We planned Amazon Pharmacy to put clients first — bringing Amazon’s client fixation to an industry that can be badly designed and befuddling,” said TJ Parker, VP of the new unit.
“We buckle down in the background to deal with inconveniences flawlessly so any individual who needs a remedy can comprehend their choices, put in their request at the most minimal accessible cost, and have their medicine conveyed rapidly.”
Amazon has long been rumored to be interested in the pharmacy business, and the entry by a powerful new player could unsettle a business dominated by large American chains including CVS and Walgreens
An Amazon statement said PillPack would continue to operate as a distinct unit within Amazon Pharmacy for customers using the service.
The tech and retail giant said it would comply with US health privacy laws and not offer certain controlled medications such as opioids.
The online pharmacy would allow customers to use their insurance or pay out of pocket, with discounts offered for Amazon Prime members.
The move comes with increasing scrutiny of Amazon and other tech giants over their growing dominance in key sectors of the economy.
In pre-market trade, rival pharmacy operators saw their shares stumble with Rite-Aid down 11.7 percent, CVS losing 7.1 percent and Walgreens 9 percent..
Amazon earlier this year launched an online pharmacy for consumers in India for both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
-AFP
