Amazon has started online sales and deliveries of prescription drugs in Japan in partnership with major pharmacy and drugstore chains.

Amazon Japan on Tuesday announced it is teaming up with Welcia Holdings, Ain Holdings and seven other companies in the industry. The e-commerce giant says some 2,500 pharmacies will offer the service.

It comes with an app for users to register electronic prescriptions. They receive guidance on use of the medication via video call. The drugs will then be delivered to homes or other designated locations.

Amazon Japan's Maeda Hiroshi said, "The new business is aimed at providing better healthcare services in response to each customer's needs."

Amazon is not the first to offer this type of online service with pharmacies, but its entry is expected to fuel increased competition in the sector.