Amazon to Launch 24-Hour Drug Delivery in Select U.S. Cities

Amazon Pharmacy has launched a new service that promises to deliver prescription medications in as little as a few minutes, offering a significant convenience to residents of New York City and metro Los Angeles. This Same-Day Delivery program is set to expand to more than a dozen additional U.S. cities by the end of the year, including Austin, Indianapolis, Miami, Phoenix, and Seattle, according to a recent press release from the company.

Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, described the service as a “game changer” for customers in need of quick access to their medications. “These faster delivery speeds will be a game changer when you or your family need your medications quickly,” Herrington said.

Amazon’s delivery service will utilize a variety of methods to fulfill orders, including e-bikes for deliveries in congested areas like Manhattan, drones for rapid delivery in places like College Station, Texas, and Rivian all-electric vans and other commercial vehicles for suburban areas like greater Los Angeles. This multi-modal approach aims to provide the fastest and most eco-friendly delivery options depending on the location.

The service is powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which streamlines the prescription preparation process and reduces administrative errors. AI is not meant to replace pharmacists but rather to enhance their efficiency, allowing them to focus on patient care. Kelvin Downes, director of fulfillment for Amazon Pharmacy, explained, “AI doesn’t replace the role of the pharmacist; it allows them to operate at the top of their license.”

By combining AI-driven processes with advanced delivery technologies, Amazon Pharmacy aims to provide a faster, more reliable prescription service that could revolutionize how customers access their medications.