With online pharmacies witnessing a spike in orders in the last three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce giant Amazon has rolled out an online pharmacy service, starting with Bengaluru.
With online pharmacies witnessing a spike in orders in the last three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce giant Amazon has rolled out an online pharmacy service, starting with Bengaluru.
Amazon’s e-pharmacy is a natural extension of its wide logistics network and customer reach. In the US, Amazon acquired online pharmacy PillPack to deliver medicines to its customers, in a $750 million deal in 2018. With this, e-pharmacy startups have been eyeing merging with larger rivals. PharmEasy, the market leader in the space, is in talks to acquire Medlife for about $200 million. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s largest company is in talks to acquire Netmeds for $80-100 million. 1mg, another player in the space, backed by investors such as Sequoia has also held conversations with these players, according to media reports, according to Moneycontrol.
“As a part of our commitment to fulfill the needs of customers, we are launching Amazon Pharmacy in Bangalore allowing customers to order prescription-based medication, in addition to over-the-counter medicines, basic health devices and Ayurveda medication from certified sellers.This is particularly relevant in present times, as it will help customers meet their essential needs while staying safe at home, " as quoted by Moneycontrol.
Amazon also rolled out online food delivery in Bengaluru in May, putting it at loggerheads with incumbents Swiggy and Zomato, but has not scaled.
Amazon’s e-pharmacy is a natural extension of its wide logistics network and customer reach. In the US, Amazon acquired online pharmacy PillPack to deliver medicines to its customers, in a $750 million deal in 2018. With this, e-pharmacy startups have been eyeing merging with larger rivals. PharmEasy, the market leader in the space, is in talks to acquire Medlife for about $200 million. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s largest company is in talks to acquire Netmeds for $80-100 million. 1mg, another player in the space, backed by investors such as Sequoia has also held conversations with these players, according to media reports, according to Moneycontrol.
“As a part of our commitment to fulfill the needs of customers, we are launching Amazon Pharmacy in Bangalore allowing customers to order prescription-based medication, in addition to over-the-counter medicines, basic health devices and Ayurveda medication from certified sellers.This is particularly relevant in present times, as it will help customers meet their essential needs while staying safe at home, " as quoted by Moneycontrol.
Amazon also rolled out online food delivery in Bengaluru in May, putting it at loggerheads with incumbents Swiggy and Zomato, but has not scaled.