Amazon has launched its own online pharmacy that will allow customers to buy prescription medicines.
Amazon Prime members are eligible for free two-day delivery and discounts of up to 80% on generic medicines and 40% on prescribed brand-name drugs.
Customers need to provide some basic health information, such as whether they are pregnant, as well as date of birth, gender and insurance details.
Some questioned the wisdom of giving health data to a tech corporation.
Amazon Pharmacy vice-president TJ Parker said it was hoping to transform an industry that "can be inconvenient and confusing".
"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 said.
Amazon launches online pharmacy service https://t.co/DYEgUjIzhM
— BBC News Technology (@BBCTech) November 17, 2020
Doctors can send prescriptions directly to Amazon Pharmacy, currently available in the US only, or patients can request a transfer from their existing retailer.
Amazon, which acquired online pharmacy Pillpack for $753m (£568) in 2018, said health data would remain separate and distinct from that on its retail site and no information would be shared with advertisers without permission.
But former Amazon executive James Thomson previously told BBC News he could imagine Amazon offering gym equipment, specific groceries or other products based on the health data of a particular customer.
"When those types of things start to happen, I believe it will become much more apparent that we have a major major data problem here," he said.
Latest Stories
-
Vinicius scores twice as Real Madrid draw against Bayern in Germany
3 mins -
I’m doing well – Amerado assures fans after stage mishap
55 mins -
EC asks police to start criminal investigation into Ejisu by-election ‘white envelope’ bribery allegation
2 hours -
LPG Marketers Association kicks against NPA’s $80 per metric ton levy on LPG
3 hours -
We need a comprehensive review of Ghana’s financial regulations – Dr Alhassan Andani
3 hours -
Court dismisses injunction against NBA for approving registration of 14 new GM crops
3 hours -
Penalty for companies not filing returns increased to GH¢1k from May 1
3 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: Results so far
3 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: And the winner is…
4 hours -
Dumsor: Businesses could collapse if situation is not resolved – Ghali
4 hours -
Ejisu by-election: NPP will do everything possible to win – Kingsley Nyarko
4 hours -
‘White envelope’ incident was unfortunate – Political Science lecturer
4 hours -
NPP will always win Ejisu elections – Paul Yandoh
4 hours -
Manhyia Palace Museum comes alive in May by showcasing restored Asante treasures
4 hours -
NPP win in Ejisu by-election will signal Bawumia’s triumphant victory in 2024 polls – Richard Ahiagbah
4 hours