Amazon has already begun rolling out prescription vending machines to One Medical clinics. As the largest purchaser of drugs, this bold step has the potential to radically change the pharmacy industry. These kiosks are making their debut to increase accessibility and convenience for people picking up their medications. This launch follows Amazon’s $3.9 billion purchase of One Medical in 2022, and its $750 million acquisition of online pharmacy PillPack in 2018.
With the new vending machines, patients can conveniently grab their prescriptions immediately after virtual consultations. This proposed solution addresses one of the biggest barriers that most people run into. Hannah McClellan, now vice president of operations at Amazon Pharmacy, noted how critical it is to reduce unnecessary journeys to the pharmacy.
“We know that when patients have to make an extra trip to the pharmacy after seeing their doctor, many prescriptions never get filled.” – Hannah McClellan, vice president of operations at Amazon Pharmacy
This new program expands upon Amazon’s successful US launch of Amazon Pharmacy in late 2020. The intention was to improve the visibility and provision of pharmaceutical services, improving public online access. By integrating these vending machines into One Medical clinics, Amazon seeks to provide a seamless experience that aligns with its broader healthcare strategy.
The rollout of these kiosks coincides with, and is at least partially a response to, a time of immense strain on legacy U.S. pharmacy chains. To make that point clear, Rite Aid just announced the closing of all of its remaining stores, and since 2021, CVS has closed over 1,000 pharmacies. Walgreens, too, has pulled back — closing 500 stores in the last year alone. Together, these developments indicate a sea change in the retail pharmacy landscape. They are sounding the alarm for what might be the death knell for independent pharmacies in years to come.
Amazon’s vending machines may just be the defining solution for patients and consumers needing speedy access to medicines. Getting prescriptions filled at One Medical clinics would be a snap for patients. This convenient access has created a major risk to the traditional pharmacy business.
Amazon’s recent announcements are still pretty exciting. Now it’s continuing that movement forward with the planning of an October 27-29, 2025, event in San Francisco. This meeting will provide an inside look at the most recent developments in Amazon’s growing healthcare presence. It can help inform their strategies in providing prescription services.
Amazon’s innovations aren’t all about convenience. Besides individual impacts like this, they could turn upside down the entire landscape of how pharmaceutical services are provided across the nation. Consumers are already voting with their feet and looking for affordable, convenient solutions to their healthcare needs. Industry experts and consumers alike will be looking hard at how all of these new developments play out.
