UPDATE 1-Kroger to expand discount drug program

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NEW YORK, May 13 (Reuters) - Supermarket operator Kroger Co (KR.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Tuesday that it was expanding its generic drug program to include discounted bulk supplies and more women's medications.

The wider program, which comes eight days after a similar move by Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), offers 90-day supplies of many generic drugs for $10. Last fall, Kroger began offering 30-day supplies of more than 300 generic drugs for $4.

Kroger is also increasing the number of women's medications it sells at a discount, offering 30-day supplies for $9 or 90-day supplies for $24. These specialized medicines include drugs to treat breast cancer, hormone deficiency and osteoporosis.

Retailers like Kroger and Wal-Mart are enhancing their health and wellness programs as a way to drive shoppers into stores more frequently and boost sales. The 90-day bulk orders could also appeal to shoppers who currently use mail-order services to fill prescriptions for chronic medications.

Kroger shares were down 17 cents at $26.92 in midday New York Stock Exchange trade. (Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Lisa Von Ahn)