E-commerce giant Amazon India launches online pharmacy in Bengaluru

The service is being launched in Bengaluru initially and may be scaled up to other cities in the future.

"As part of our commitment to fulfilling the needs of customers, we are launching Amazon Pharmacy in Bengaluru allowing customers to order prescription-based medication, in addition to over-the-counter medicines, basic health devices and Ayurveda medication from certified sellers," an Amazon spokesperson said.

This is particularly relevant in present times as it will help customers meet their essential needs while staying safe at home, the spokesperson told PTI.

E-pharmacies need to register with the Central Licencing Authority for selling prescription drugs online. Amazon India is expected to partner with license holders for offering the pharmacy service.

For instance, Amazon.com, Inc., is an American multinational technology company based in Seattle, Washington. Amazon focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It is considered one of the Big Four technology companies, along with Google, Apple, and Facebook.

Healthtech start-ups like 1mg, PharmEasy, and Medlife have seen strong growth in the past few months as people turned to online platforms to order their medicines while maintaining social distancing amid the pandemic.

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Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that E-Pharmacy Draft Rules provide sector-specific e-commerce regulations with the aim to harmonize existing laws/guidelines like the (information technology) IT Act, D&C Act and rules, and other relevant regulations. These draft rules came after over 25 multi-stakeholder consultations over a period of 4 years and have also been approved by the Drug Technical Advisory Board, the highest expert body for pharmaceutical regulation in India, The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), representing e-pharma start-ups had stated.

Also Read: Industry Body IAMAI Asks Govt To Notify E-Pharmacy Rules Immediately For Fair Competition