The UK’s Royal Mail is launching same-day deliveries for certain Pharmacy2U medication and healthcare products – initially via the Chemist Direct brand – following a surge in demand during the pandemic.
The post says the service will initially focus on some postcode areas in Yorkshire and aims to give customers a speedy, convenient and secure way to order and receive medicine from the comfort of their own homes. Royal Mail research has revealed that since the start of the pandemic, 4.3 million adults across the UK have for the first time ordered medication online to be delivered to their homes.
Royal Mail’s research also shows that one in eight adults (12%) currently have medication regularly delivered in the post and a further 9% have previously had medication delivered through the post. Of these, 57% currently receive prescription medicine, compared with 43% currently receiving non-prescription medicine. Four in five (81%) of these prescriptions are repeat.
In the coming months, Royal Mail and Pharmacy2U say they will extend their partnership, noting that although the service offers greater convenience for all, it is especially important for vulnerable people who are less comfortable with leaving their homes at the moment.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, commented, “At Royal Mail, we have a healthy obsession with solving customer problems. When people aren’t feeling well they want an immediate fix and that’s what we’re aiming to deliver with ‘instant pain relief’ delivered straight to their door. We’re working with Pharmacy2U to deliver medicines on the same day they are ordered, and look forward to significantly expanding this service in the future. The last year has reset many of our expectations for delivery; coupled with the convenience of home delivery, no queues and a reduced risk of infection, we think this service is just what the doctor ordered.”