Amazon makes its move into the health sector with online pharmacy
Online retailer Amazon has launched its own pharmacy service which will allow customers to buy prescription medication.
Amazon Pharmacy allows customers to complete an entire pharmacy transaction on their desktop or mobile device through the Amazon App. Customers can add their insurance information, manage prescriptions, and choose payment options before checking out.
Members of Amazon Prime can also have access to free two-day delivery and discounts of up to 80% on generic medicines and 40% on prescribed brand-name drugs.I wo
TJ Parker, vice president at Amazon Pharmacy, said: “We designed Amazon Pharmacy to put customers first – bringing Amazon’s customer obsession to an industry that can be inconvenient and confusing.
“We work hard behind the scenes to handle complications seamlessly so anyone who needs a prescription can understand their options, place their order for the lowest available price, and have their medication delivered quickly.”
Rumours Amazon was looking towards the health market were fuelled following the retailer’s decision to buy US automated pharmacy company PillPack in June 2018. At the time, the deal was reportedly worth around £760 million ($1 billion).
Doug Herrington, senior vice president of North American consumer at Amazon, added: “As more and more people look to complete everyday errands from home, pharmacy is an important and needed addition to the Amazon online store.
“PillPack has provided exceptional pharmacy service for individuals with chronic health conditions for over six years. Now, we’re expanding our pharmacy offering to Amazon.com, which will help more customers save time, save money, simplify their lives, and feel healthier.”
