Amazon has finally done it. The company has revealed plans to sell and deliver prescription drugs through its online platform dubbed none other than Amazon Pharmacy.
“We designed Amazon Pharmacy to put customers first – bringing Amazon’s customer obsession to an industry that can be inconvenient and confusing,” said TJ Parker, Vice President, Amazon Pharmacy. “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.”
Amazon Pharmacy customers will be able to complete an entire pharmacy transaction via their desktop or mobile device through the Amazon App. Customers will also be able to utilize a secure pharmacy profile in which they will be able to add their insurance information, manage prescriptions, and choose payment options before checking out.
The company is extending additional benefits to its Prime members, offering unlimited, free two-day delivery on Amazon Pharmacy orders. Prime members who opt to pay without insurance will be eligible for up to 80 percent off generic drugs and 40 percent off brand-name medicines.
“As more and more people look to complete everyday errands from home, pharmacy is an important and needed addition to the Amazon online store,” commented Doug Herrington, Senior Vice President of North American Consumer at Amazon.
“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.”
Amazon acquired PillPack, a company that delivers prescription drugs in pre-sorted packs, mainly to customers who need multiple medications daily to manage chronic conditions, just about two years ago.
But before purchasing PillPack, it was rumored that the eCommerce giant was looking to enter the pharmaceuticals category as it quietly gained approval and licenses through various state pharmaceutical boards across the country to become a wholesale distributor of drugs.
Amazon’s official announcement solidifies the notion that the company is looking to redefine yet another sector in how consumers go about making their day-to-day purchases. This time, it is prescription drugs.
