Washington: Amazon.com Inc launched on Tuesday Amazon ClinicA virtual platform where users can connect with healthcare providers to help treat common ailments like allergies and skin conditions.
Amazon has been looking to expand its presence in healthcare for years. It bought online pharmacy Pillpack in 2018, following a prescription delivery and price-comparison site it later launched as. Amazon Pharmacywhich allows users to purchase over-the-counter drugs through Prime membership.
Amazon said its new service will be operational in 32 states, connecting treatment-seeking customers with healthcare providers. The service does not include health insurance and prices will vary depending on providers, it added.
The online retailer first piloted virtual care visits for its own staff in Seattle in 2019 before offering the services to other employers under the Amazon Care brand, which it now plans to discontinue by the end of this year.
The company is also waiting to close its $3.49 billion deal to buy One Medical, as it looks to expand its virtual healthcare presence and add brick-and-mortar doctors’ offices for the first time.
Amazon shares were up about 1 percent in pre-bell trading.
