E-pharmacies are set to have battle with Jeff Bezos and Mukesh Ambani hoping to exploit a fast-growing market fueled by phone users.
Last week Amazon India launched ‘Amazon Pharmacy’ in Bengaluru. They will also conduct pilots in other cities, Reliance Retail—through its SMART Point outlets—plans to scale up its grocery and pharmacy platforms. Reliance Industries Ltd biotechnology subsidiary, Reliance Life Sciences, is set to process of setting up pathology labs with local partnerships.
“E-pharmacies is a large market and the retail segment is a fragmented one. However, the market is now ripe for consolidation; thus, large retailers like Amazon and Reliance are keen on this market,” said the CEO of an Indian e-pharmacy firm. More retailers are waiting to join the sector amid government focus on healthcare and schemes like Ayushman Bharat, and National Digital Health Mission, he added.
‘Amazon Pharmacy’ will offer prescription-based on drugs, basic health devices and traditional Indian herbal medicines, Amazon said in a statement. Amazon have not yet declare the time for launch. Meanwhile, RIL said in its quarter analyst presentation that “retail will scale up rapidly led by new commerce and pharmacy platform”.
AMAZON ONLINE PHARMACY IN BENGALURU
- In a bid to increase more categories, Amazon had launched an online pharmacy in Bengaluru. Amazon said its new service ‘Amazon Pharmacy’ will start orders for both over-the-counter and prescription-based medicines in Bengaluru.
- Amazon Pharmacy is selling traditional herbal medicines and some health devices such as glucose meters, nebulizers and handheld massagers.
