The service, which will initially focus on some postcode areas in Yorkshire, aims to give customers a speedy, convenient and secure way to order and receive medicine without leaving their home.

The launch comes as Royal Mail’s research reveals that since the start of the pandemic, 4.3 million adults across the UK have ordered medication online for the first time.

The research also found that one in eight (12%) UK adults currently have medication regularly delivered in the post. A further 9% have had medication delivered through the post in the past.

The main reasons for getting medication delivered in the post include: for ease and convenience (59%), to avoid making journeys to the pharmacy (37%) and to avoid risk of infection from Covid-19 (24%).

Looking ahead, just under a quarter (22%) of UK adults would be likely to order any type of medication online to be delivered in the post in the next year. Of these, three in five (59%) would be likely to use a same day delivery service for medication.

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “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 and 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.”

Mark Livingstone, CEO at Pharmacy2U, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has shifted people’s behaviours drastically and brought forward digital uptake for many. At Pharmacy2U we are doing all we can to remain at the forefront of consumer demand and bringing medicines straight to your front door is part of that.

“Through this partnership with Royal Mail, we’re hopeful that repeat prescriptions will become even more accessible and it will lead to more people adhering to their doctor’s orders. We look forward to continuing our excellent customer service through this partnership.”