Amazon Unveils Online Pharmacy Service
James Thomson, formerly an executive at Amazon, earlier told BBC he could picture Amazon giving definite groceries, gym equipment or other products on the basis of health information of a specific customer.
E-commerce heavyweight Amazon has launched a pharmacy service platform that enables customers to purchase prescription medicines online.
Amazon Prime subscribers qualify for free two-day delivery and discounts of up to 80% on generic medicines and 40% on recommended brand-name drugs.
Customers will have to supply some essential health information, indicating pregnancy, gender, date of birth and insurance details.
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A number of people argue against the choice of divulging health data to a tech corporation.
TJ Parker vice-president at Amazon Pharmacy stated the firm had its eyes on turning a sector that “can be inconvenient and confusing” around.
“We work hard behind the scenes to handle complications seamlessly so anyone who needs a prescription can understand their options, place their order at the lowest available price and have their medication delivered quickly,” he added.
Doctors can issue prescriptions for patients directly to Amazon Pharmacy, which is operating only in the United States at the moment. Patients are also at liberty to demand a transfer from their current retailer.
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Amazon purchased Pillpack, an online pharmacy, for $753 million two years ago and said health details would be independent and distinguishable from those on its retail website, adding that no data would be provided to advertisers unless permission is sought.
James Thomson, formerly an executive at Amazon, earlier told BBC he could picture Amazon giving definite groceries, gym equipment or other products on the basis of health information of a specific customer.
He said “when those types of things start to happen, I believe it will become much more apparent that we have a major data problem here.”
