Amazon launches cheap prescriptions for US Prime members

Amazon, the online retail giant, has announced the launch of a service called RxPass to provide cheap generic prescription drugs to its US Prime members, signalling its move further into the healthcare market.12

RxPass is a new benefit offered through Amazon Pharmacy, which is available to US Amazon Prime members for $5 a month on top of their Amazon Prime membership fee.

Amazon has about 150 million Prime members in the US who pay a membership fee of $139 a year, or about $15 a month. Those who choose RxPass will pay an additional $5 a month. This will enable them to get prescriptions for generic drugs to treat many common medical problems delivered to their homes within two days. The $5 fee …