Amazon to start offering prescription drugs through vending machines
Amazon Introduces Pharmacy Kiosks for One Medical Patients
Amazon has revealed its plans to launch “pharmacy kiosks” starting in December. These self-service kiosks will allow One Medical patients to conveniently collect their prescribed medications at the doctor’s office immediately after their appointment, eliminating the need to visit traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
Initially, the kiosks will be installed at One Medical locations in downtown Los Angeles, West LA, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, and West Hollywood. Amazon has confirmed that additional kiosks will be deployed in other One Medical offices as part of a larger rollout scheduled for 2026.
The innovative machines will stock a wide range of commonly prescribed medications such as antibiotics, inhalers, blood pressure treatments, flu, and allergy medications. Patients can easily retrieve their medications within minutes of their appointment by scanning a QR code from the Amazon app.
Hannah McClellan, Vice President of Operations at Amazon Pharmacy, emphasized the significance of providing immediate access to medications after a doctor’s visit. She stated, “By bringing the pharmacy directly to the point of care, we’re removing a critical barrier and helping patients start their treatment when it matters most-right away.”
To utilize the kiosks, patients must create an Amazon Pharmacy account, schedule an appointment at a participating One Medical location, ask their provider to send prescriptions to Amazon Pharmacy, and pay for their medication through the Amazon app.
In 2020, Amazon launched Amazon Pharmacy, enabling users to purchase medication and request refills online for home delivery. Following the acquisition of One Medical in February 2023, Amazon has continued to expand its healthcare services.
The introduction of vending machine technology comes at a pivotal moment for traditional pharmacy chains, many of which have faced challenges in sustaining sales. Rite Aid recently announced the closure of all its stores after filing for bankruptcy, underscoring the evolving landscape of the pharmacy industry.
