Amazon to open health clinics for Seattle employees

In a move aimed at reducing healthcare costs, Amazon (AMZN) is reportedly preparing to bring in-house employee healthcare service with a line of primary care clinics at its Seattle headquarters in South Lake Union. The plan, however, is in its initial stage, according to CNBC.

This new initiative includes working with a small team of physicians to start a pilot clinic towards the end of this year. The clinics initially will be made available for a select group of employees and will be expanded to others by early next year.

A slew of US companies have lately been showing interest in providing better health care facilities to their employees and their families. Apple (AAPL) opened medical clinics in Cupertino and over 40 individuals were hired by its subsidiary, AC Wellness Network, to staff the clinics.

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In January this year, Amazon (AMZN), along with JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) formed a healthcare firm with an aim to reduce the rising healthcare costs and to improve the quality of care.  Dr. Atul Gawande was appointed the CEO of the newly formed healthcare venture.

Amazon had in June established its footprint in the healthcare segment with the purchase of PillPack for $1 billion after topping an offer by rival Walmart (WMT).

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