Amazon Pharmacy to Expand Rapid Prescription Delivery to 20 New Cities

Amazon Pharmacy has announced plans to extend its pharmaceutical services, including the fast and free delivery of prescription medications, to 20 additional U.S. cities by next year. This move will significantly increase the number of areas where customers can benefit from same-day delivery of their medications.

By leveraging its extensive logistics network and advanced automation technologies, Amazon aims to address a critical challenge in healthcare: the lack of convenient and affordable access to medications. The new service model is targeted to integrate tightly with Amazon’s Same-Day Delivery sites, streamlining the process of medication delivery directly to consumers’ homes.

Dr. Vin Gupta, Chief Medical Officer at Amazon Pharmacy, highlighted the urgency of timely access to medications. “There’s an important window after diagnosis when starting medication is vital,” he noted. “We use our delivery capabilities to ensure medication reaches patients swiftly, enhancing engagement and treatment adherence, which is crucial for better health outcomes.”

Currently, Amazon Pharmacy facilitates the delivery of medications within two days on average. With the planned expansion, by the end of 2025, nearly 45% of U.S. customers are projected to qualify for same-day delivery. This initiative will allow orders placed by 4 p.m. to be delivered by 10 p.m. the same day.

As “pharmacy deserts” — regions with limited access to nearby pharmacies — become increasingly common, Amazon’s digital-first pharmacy approach is designed to mitigate these access issues. A recent study revealed that nearly half of U.S. counties have communities situated over 10 miles from the nearest pharmacy, restricting their access to necessary medications.

John Love, Vice President of Amazon Pharmacy, stated, “We’re re-envisioning medication delivery to better meet the needs of our customers. By merging clinical care with technology, we’re simplifying the process — from checkout to delivery — and enhancing overall customer care.”

Amazon’s innovative approach includes the development and launch of “modular” pharmacies situated within larger Amazon logistics centers, enabling them to efficiently manage the entire prescription review and packaging process. These efforts are designed to support rapid scaling and delivery.

The company has underscored its commitment to improving health outcomes by seamlessly blending strategic engineering with clinical oversight. This approach is anticipated to play a crucial role in bridging the healthcare accessibility gap, particularly in underserved areas.