SEATTLE, Washington: Amazon.com has opened a virtual platform connecting users with healthcare providers to help treat common ailments, such as allergies and skin conditions.

The platform is to be called the "Amazon clinic."

Amazon has aimed to expand its presence in the healthcare sector, and in 2018, it bought online pharmacy PillPack, as a precursor to the launch of its prescription delivery and price-comparison site, Amazon Pharmacy, which lets users purchase prescription drugs.

The new service would operate in 32 states, but it will not accept health insurance and prices will vary depending on providers, the company said.

In 2019, Amazon first piloted virtual care visits in Seattle for its own staff. It went on to offer services to other employers under the Amazon Care brand, which it plans to shut down by the end of the year.

To expand its virtual healthcare presence and add brick-and-mortar doctors' offices for the first time, the company also aims to complete its $3.49 billion purchase of One Medical.

Following the announcement, shares in Amazon were up about 1 percent.