Amazon's plan to launch instant pickup points in the U.S. may help shoppers quickly access prescriptions, one health expert told CNBC.
The pickup points will enable shoppers to retrieve their items immediately after placing an order. Stephen Buck, co-founder of GoodRx, also predicts they might help people who urgently need access to antibiotics.
"I could see the medication getting there before the patient even leaves the doctor's office parking lot," Mr. Buck told CNBC. "The process could be very efficient and potentially reduce costs."
For Mr. Buck, a major hurdle Amazon would have to overcome is pharmacy regulation. A pharmacist is required to be on-site during patient pickups to explain drug usage and side effects. He suggested regulatory changes or a telemedicine service — which could to connect pharmacists with patients at pickup — could mitigate that challenge.