Wal-Mart to expand discount drug plan

Wal-Mart Stores, which has begun selling generic versions of prescription drugs for 4 dollars in Florida, will expand the program to more than a dozen states months ahead of schedule, The New York Times reported Thursday.

The company, the largest retailer in the United States, is expected to announce Thursday that it will sell the discounted drugs in New York, Texas, Oregon, Arizona, Vermont and North Carolina, among other states, people briefed on the matter were quoted as saying.

Under the program, Wal-Mart will sell monthlong doses of about 150 separate medicines for 4 dollars.

On average, generic drugs cost between 10 dollars and 30 dollars for a 30-day prescription.

Wal-Mart originally said it would consider expanding the program beyond Florida after January, but in response to strong demand and a positive response from elected leaders, it has rushed to introduce it across the country.

Separately, Wal-Mart said it would immediately cut the prices of 100 popular toys more than two months before Christmas.

The price cuts -- including discounts of more than 20 dollars on products like an electronic doll called Amazing Amanda -- represent the opening shot in the holiday toy price wars.

Source: Xinhua