Amazon is evolving from a merchandising leader to an influential player in healthcare, leveraging its extensive logistics network to improve lives right at your doorstep. This strategic shift reflects the company’s ambitions in the healthcare sector.
Project Pulse Initiative
In 2023, Amazon implemented a pilot program known as Project Pulse, which involved outfitting delivery vans with defibrillators and training drivers in CPR techniques. More than 100 drivers took part in this initiative across cities such as London, Amsterdam, and Bologna, responding to alerts from citizen responder applications, often arriving at the scene before emergency services.
Future Opportunities
While the program has not progressed further as of now, Amazon is reportedly considering the feedback it has received and is exploring additional programs to enhance its healthcare services. An Amazon spokesperson noted that they are focused on evaluating these opportunities.
Healthcare Market Landscape
Amazon’s move into healthcare comes at a time when competitors like Walgreens and Walmart are stepping back from the primary care space. Walmart closed its primary healthcare business in April 2023, shutting down 51 locations, while Walgreens is undergoing a transition to private ownership by Sycamore Partners for approximately $10 billion.
Strategic Ambitions
This context may bolster Amazon’s confidence in its potential to transform healthcare delivery, extending beyond its existing investment in One Medical, a primary care provider acquired for $3.9 billion in early 2023. By diversifying its approach, Amazon aims to offer more than just retail products, potentially revolutionizing access to essential healthcare services.