What if, tomorrow, obtaining treatment became as simple as picking up a package? Amazon is introducing a new solution that could transform access to prescription drugs: vending machines, called Amazon Kiosks, installed directly in doctor’s offices. The goal: to eliminate the physical pharmacy step and allow patients to begin their treatment immediately after the consultation, according to the company press release. These kiosks aim to simplify the care pathway for patients.
“The automated machines will transport hundreds of common medications, such as antibiotics, inhalers and blood pressure treatments, as well as flu and allergy medications, on a seasonal basis”reports CBS News. Concretely, after the consultation, the doctor sends the patient’s secure prescription to the medication terminal. The patient just has to go to the terminal and can, via the Amazon Pharmacy application, pay for their medications and scan a QR code to collect them, like any “click and collect”. If the lack of interaction with a health professional may be worrying, Amazon reassures: a pharmacist will remotely verify that the prescription is compliant. A telephone will allow you to contact a health professional if necessary.
The first medicine dispensers will be deployed in December 2025 in health centers located in the United States, particularly in California, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, West Hollywood. “and other sites shortly after”. This launch responds to a major public health problem in the United States. According to data cited by Amazon, “nearly a third of prescriptions are never filled” and, for chronic diseases, “half of the medications are not taken”. These figures represent “missed opportunities to improve health and billions of dollars in avoidable spending”.
In France, the installation of such distributors in medical homes and medical practices is not on the agenda. Amazon’s system – as practical as it is for patients – could be difficult to implement in France. In France, the dispensation of the drug is reserved for pharmacists in pharmacies according to the Public Health Code. Likewise, medicines subject to prescription cannot be sold remotely or delivered via an automated system without close control by the pharmacist. The pharmacist must analyze the prescription, give advice, check for drug interactions. This role of mediator is legally imposed.
