Asda has teamed up Pharmacy2U to become “the first UK supermarket to launch an online prescription service”, it announced yesterday (April 9).
“Asda Online Pharmacy is a platform where patients can manage prescriptions online and have them arranged for delivery to their home address,” the supermarket said.
Read more: Asda admits OTC ‘link selling’ policy for Pharmacy First consultations
As of yesterday, patients who register for an account can order prescriptions that “will undergo thorough checks by qualified pharmacists”, it said. Medication will then be delivered “straight to the patients’ door – all at no additional cost”, it added.
Patients will also be able to track their orders, Asda said.
And the supermarket “will also be introducing a click-and-collect option from Asda’s 232 pharmacy locations at a later date”, it said.
“Greater convenience for our patients”
Asda’s superintendent pharmacist and head of pharmacy Faisal Tuddy said that the supermarket chain was “thrilled to announce the launch of our online prescription delivery service with Pharmacy2U”.
The partnership with the online DSP will provide patients, “some of whom may not have an Asda Pharmacy nearby”, with "greater convenience", he added.
“We know how important it is for families to be able to simply access their repeat prescriptions without having to worry,” he said.
Read more: Asda in Pharmacy First locum row over ‘unacceptable’ email
Chief executive officer (CEO) of Pharmacy2U Kevin Heath said the DSP was “incredibly proud to have partnered with Asda to now bring our online prescription services to a place of ease for their customers”.
“Supermarkets play a huge role in daily life, making this a natural, yet exciting next step for patients,” he added.
In February, Asda admitted that link selling would be part of a Pharmacy First consultation at the supermerket “when appropriate”, after denying that it was encouraging this.
Read more: CMA merger inquiry clears Pharmacy2U purchase of LloydsDirect
And in January, the locums working at the supermarket were threatened with removal from Asda’s locum directory if they refused to provide Pharmacy First services.
Meanwhile, last month the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued approval of the Pharmacy2U ‘s purchase of LloydsDirect.
It followed the competition watchdog’s inquiry into the merger.
