Amazon is set to expand its same-day prescription delivery service across the United States, covering nearly half of the country by 2025 utilizing its extensive logistics network and new pharmacies in 20 additional cities. This growth in geography will effectively enable Amazon Pharmacy to reach approximately 90% of American consumers,
“In health care, speed and accessibility are critical for positive patient outcomes,” said Dr. Vin Gupta, chief medical officer of Amazon Pharmacy. “There’s often an important window of time after getting diagnosed when it’s most vital to start your medication.”
“At Amazon, we’re using our world-class delivery capabilities to get medicine to patients within hours of being prescribed,” added Gupta. “This rapid access increases the likelihood patients engage immediately in their care and adhere to treatment routines, which is shown to improve health outcomes.”
To address the problem of “pharmacy deserts” grow, Amazon is building out digital-first pharmacies. Amazon cited a recent study that found nearly half of U.S. counties have communities over 10 miles from the nearest pharmacy, limiting their access to medications and pharmacist care. While traditional mail-order prescriptions can take up to 10 days to arrive, Amazon’s ultimate goal is to deliver medication within hours.
“We’re re-envisioning medication delivery to focus on what customers need to better engage in their health,” said John Love, VP of Amazon Pharmacy.
“Amazon Pharmacy is integrating technology to modernize pharmacy while maintaining high-touch clinical care,” added Love. “Customers can now get a wide range of prescribed medications delivered rapidly to their door with just a few clicks, plus 24/7 access to a pharmacist. We are reimagining health care delivery to meet customers where they are—online, on the go, and at home.”
Amazon Pharmacy was launched in 2020 and offers RxPass, a $5 a month subscription program for 60 common medications and discount on both generic and brand-name medications.
Photo credit: Amazon Pharmacy
