Unfazed by Amazon competition: 'They won't offer anything new,' CVS chief says

CVS has already sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry with its first-of-a-kind merger with health insurer Aetna — but its path to transforming healthcare won't stop there, CVS CEO Larry Merlo said at a National Press Club luncheon Jan. 14, according to STAT.

The retail pharmacy giant already announced plans to open clinics where patients can get care at their convenience, but the company is looking into one-day prescription delivery.

Another hot luncheon topic was Amazon. The e-commerce giant made moves into the healthcare arena  last year through  its acquisition of online pharmacy PillPack and a new healthcare venture with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase.

Mr. Merlo, however, emphasized that he is not concerned about Amazon's entry into healthcare and the pharmacy world.

"If we're doing our job, if we're doing our job well, [Amazon] will end up offering the same services that we already provide," Mr. Merlo said. "Yes, they'll be another competitor, but they won't offer anything new that isn't already offered, you know, by CVS."

Mr. Merlo also said that the healthcare industry can and must be reformed by those who are in it already, adding that it is going to be "very, very difficult for someone that isn’t in healthcare."

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