E-commerce giant, Amazon has now entered into online pharmacy business in the US. The company started its delivery on Tuesday. Now buyers on Amazon can buy medicines online like other goods. With this move of the company, there is a lot of turmoil in the pharmacy business as well.
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Amazon, which has captured the market of almost everything from books to toys and grocery, is now eyeing the pharmacy business. This could affect large stores in the US, such as CVS and Walgreens. Amazon says it will sell generic drugs such as creams, pills and insulin. For this, buyers have to set up the profile on Amazon’s website and send the doctor’s prescription.
Eye on the health care industry
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For some time, Amazon was eyeing the health care industry. Two years ago, the company spent $750 million on purchasing the online pharmacy PillPack. The company says that PillPack’s business will also continue. PillPack will focus on medicines for serious patients. Amazon is also being opposed in many countries including India. Amazon India started a pharmacy business in Bangalore in August and is also piloting other cities. Though, in India, the medical store industry has opposed Amazon’s entry into the pharmacy business. The industry has threatened the Amazon to drag it into court, calling it illegal.