Retailers are heating up with their healthcare game

Walgreens and VillageMD

The healthcare industry has been through many changes in recent years. From the Affordable Care Act to primary care providers not getting paid enough, it’s difficult for doctors and patients alike. Walgreens Boots Alliance WBA recently announced an update to its existing strategic collaboration with VillageMD to provide primary healthcare services. This will allow them to open 29 new Village Medical practices in Houston, Austin, and El Paso by 2021.

Another recent announcement is the expansion of same-day prescription delivery in large markets. Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer expressed an expectation for continuing 10% growth in 2021, earlier said to be a single digit. Many analysts attribute this confidence to investments in technologically sophisticated solutions focused on customer experience.

Dollar General

Dollar General is one of the latest retailers to take a stake in the healthcare business and has announced plans to add cold and cough medication and dental goods to their shelves. The company has recently invested in health services by hiring a chief medical officer while partnering with the Virginia Department of Health for COVID-19 testing at select locations.

Amazon Care

According to a report from Business Insider, Amazon recently approached CVS Health to expand the coverage of its Amazon Care services.

Amazon, which provides healthcare to its employees in Washington, plans to expand this coverage nationwide. It will also provide mental health services for nine hundred thousand workforce members and explore diagnostics and pharmaceuticals markets.