Amazon forays into online pharmacy amid COVID-19, pilots with Bengaluru

Amid COVID-19 pandemic when availability of medicines and healthcare products are of utmost importance, E-commerce giant Amazon has entered pharmacy sector with its anuncement of an online pharmacy in India. Initially, service has been started in Bengaluru after which it may gradually be extended to or cities. 

"Amazon Pharmacy" offers home delivery services of prescription-based drugs as well as over--counter medicines besides traditional Ayurveda medication, supplements, and basic health care devices.

"As a part of our commitment to fulfilling needs of customers, we are launching Amazon Pharmacy in Bangalore, allowing customers to order prescription-based medication in addition to over--counter medicines, basic health devices, and Ayurveda medication from certified sellers. This is particularly relevant in present times as it will help customers meet ir essential needs while staying safe at home," Amazon said in a statement.

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This is second big leap E-commerce giant has taken after it forayed into food delivery business in India in May 2020 by launching Amazon Food. It piloted delivering food in Bengaluru and Mumbai. However, food delivery services remain low key due to apprehensions raised by pandemic.

Amazon pharmacy launch comes amid reports of Reliance Industries Ltd is in advanced sts of acquisition of Chennai-based Netmeds reportedly for a deal worth USD 80-100 million, while or leading players PharmEasy and Medlife also mull on scope of merger and acquisition.

company's entry into home delivery of medicines comes at a time when consumers would want to have medicines delivered at home than stepping out mselves amid risk of COVID-19. Amid COVID-19 consequential lockdown, sale of medicines online has increased manifold with companies offering home delivery services.

However, scope of online pharmacy business is subject to policy regulations by Central Government. In 2019, Health Ministry had brought in a revised draft regulation directing online pharmacies to partner with offline retail pharmacies rar than stocking up mselves. online pharmacies had opposed draft regulation as it has an impact on ir profits and compels m to be dependent on local offline pharmacies.

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(with inputs from ncies)