Amazon forays into online pharmacy biz with Bengaluru launch

“As part of our commitment to fulfil 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 said.

E-pharmacies need to register with the Central Licencing Authority for selling prescription drugs online.

Amazon India is expected to partner with licence holders for offering the pharmacy service.

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.

Becomes largest online phone channel in India in Q2

Amazon beat Flipkart to become the top online smartphone channel in India for the first time in the Q2 of this year, as per Counterpoint Research.

While Amazon’s share stood at 47%, Flipkart’s share declined to 42% in the quarter. However, Flipkart led the sub-Rs 10,000 price band with more than 50% share in the overall online smartphone market, said the report.

Overall, online channels held a 43% share in Q2 2020 in the India online smartphone market. The increase in online channels share was due to a shift in consumer behaviour, who are now preferring contact-less shopping experience and practicing physical distancing amid the pandemic.