Walgreens, DoorDash, Uber companion on Paxlovid supply in underserved areas

Walgreens is partnering with DoorDash and Uber Well being to ship Paxlovid, an oral antiviral remedy for COVID-19, to underserved communities.

Via the partnership, eligible sufferers who stay in deprived communities as measured by the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index can obtain free supply for his or her Paxlovid prescriptions on Walgreens.com or by means of the Walgreens app.  

The collaboration, which can launch within the coming weeks, is a response to a White Home name to motion to handle COVID-19 over the winter months and urge Individuals to get vaccinated. 

“As a part of our continued efforts to assist be certain no group is left behind, we’re proud to companion with the White Home and Walgreens to offer free supply of Paxlovid to these most in want,” Caitlin Donovan, common supervisor of Uber Well being, mentioned in an announcement. “This partnership is yet one more manner wherein Uber’s know-how might help Individuals recuperate from the pandemic and make lifesaving healthcare extra accessible.”

THE LARGER TREND

Uber has beforehand labored with Walgreens on the Vaccine Entry Fund, which aimed to attach individuals with rides to COVID-19 vaccination websites. 

The rideshare and supply firm’s well being arm, Uber Well being, was launched in 2018. It has additionally partnered with firms like digital prescription platform NimbleRx, senior help firm Papa and direct-to-consumer digital care firm Hims & Hers.

DoorDash has additionally labored with Walgreens on health-related initiatives, asserting a deal to ship over-the-counter medicines and different well being, wellness and comfort merchandise in 2020. 

In the meantime, Walgreens has been increasing its attain in tech-backed and home-based care. Final month, the pharmacy retail large wrapped up the majority share acquisition of CareCentrix, a home-centered platform that coordinates care to the house for well being plans, sufferers and suppliers.

Throughout a latest earnings name, CEO Roz Brewer mentioned Walgreens is previous its peak acquisition stage at this level, however its subsequent deal will most likely “look one thing like a tech asset.”