Multinational e-commerce corporation Amazon on Tuesday said it was launching an online pharmacy for US consumers, which will allow them to order prescribed medications directly through the global conglomerates website or mobile app. 

Jeff Bezos-owned company’s new move comes two years after it acquired PillPack, an internet pharmacy offering pre-sorted dose packaging and home delivery services.

TJ Parker, vice-president of the new unit, stated, “We designed Amazon Pharmacy to put customers first bringing Amazon’s customer obsession to an industry that can be inconvenient and confusing.”

He added, “We work hard behind the scenes to handle complications seamlessly so anyone who needs a prescription can understand their options, place their order for the lowest available price, and have their medication delivered quickly.”

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Amazon’s entry into the pharmacy business will rattle nerves of competitors CVS and Walgreens, who already occupy a lion share of the medicine delivery business.

Amazon issued a statement saying, PillPack would continue operating as a distinct unit within Amazon Pharmacy for customers procuring their service.

The e-commerce giant stated that it will abide by rules and regulations placed by the US health privacy laws and not provide certain controlled medications like opioids.

The online pharmacy is also providing lucrative discounts for Amazon Prime Members and allows customers to procure medicines using their insurance or pay from their pocket. 

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Stocks of rival pharmacy operators tumbled in pre-market trade following Amazon’s entry into the medicine delivery game with Rite-Aid losing 11.7%, Walgreen 9% and CVS losing 7.1%. Amazon’s move will however be subject to scrutiny as more and more technology companies assert their dominance in integral sectors of the economy.

Amazon has already launched its online pharmacy in India for both prescription and over-the-counter medications.