New research from last-mile delivery specialist Gophr, has found that just 1 in 8 online-only pharmacies in the UK currently offer same-day delivery - a critical service gap that could impact patients who rely on urgent access to medication, but lack in-person pharmacy access.

The ‘Dispensing from a Distance’ initiative, led by Gophr’s pharmacy division, audited leading UK online pharmacy providers and their delivery options, including Pharmacy2U, Chemist4U, and Weldricks Pharmacy.

While same-day delivery is available through a small number of providers, Gophr found that access is often limited to major urban areas such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester, leaving patients in rural regions without equal access to timely medication.

And that access gap is becoming more critical. The NHS has just begun a mass rollout of GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro to help tackle obesity - a move expected to drive tens of thousands of new prescriptions through both GP surgeries and digital providers, adding strain to an already creaking pharmacy infrastructure.



As online pharmacy grows beyond elective treatments (for non-serious health issues) such Ozempic, and into more urgent, condition-led care, its role in healthcare delivery may increasingly depend on how quickly, and reliably it can get essential medication into patients’ hands. Without faster, more dependable delivery options, the sector will struggle to make the leap from convenience provider to critical care enabler.

The study also found that 80 % of online pharmacies still rely primarily on Royal Mail’s parcel network for fulfilment, yet Ofcom’s 2024 residential-parcel survey shows that more than a third (35 %) of Royal Mail parcel recipients experienced at least one delivery issue in 2024, with 13 % saying their parcel arrived late or not at all. For patients managing time-sensitive conditions, even small delays can cause unnecessary disruption, anxiety, or missed doses, especially when no local pharmacy is available as a fallback.

By continuing to rely on non-courier delivery partners, online pharmacies can’t guarantee the speed or precision that patients increasingly expect. What’s more, they take on the regulatory burden of ensuring healthcare delivery compliance themselves, stretching internal resources and diverting focus from core services.

The UK’s online pharmacy sector is expanding rapidly, with the top seven platforms dispensing more than 36 million items in 2024 (an 11% increase year-on-year). Much of this growth is being driven by surging demand for GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are often prescribed via digital platforms.

Many are also beginning to rely on online pharmacies for their speed and convenience. One online pharmacy user spoke to Gophr, saying: “I was about to take my tablet for my heart condition but realised the pack was empty and I didn’t have any more. I was able to switch my pharmacy to an online supplier so that I received my medication the very next evening - I didn’t know this kind of service existed, but it absolutely saved the day.”

With expectations of online pharmacies mounting, the market growth projected at over 55% in the next five years, and 222 in-store pharmacies closing in 2024 across the UK, building a fast, compliant, and resilient delivery infrastructure has become a core operational requirement, not just for patient safety, but for the long-term viability of online pharmacies.

Graham Smith, Strategic Account Director at Gophr, commented: "With the surge in online pharmacy demand, driven in part by the rise of elective medications like Ozempic, ensuring delivery standards are met (and exceeded) has become critical. Through our work with clients like Phlo, we've seen firsthand how impactful a dedicated, same-day model can be. Patients using online pharmacies expect convenience as the bare minimum.”

“The lack of same-day delivery options across most UK online pharmacies is a missed opportunity. Many medications are time-critical, and traditional carriers like Royal Mail simply don’t meet the clinical-grade delivery standards pharmacies are expected to uphold. They’re unlikely to wait enough time for an elderly or unwell patient to answer the door, meaning medication can end up back at a depot when it should be in the hands of a patient."

“At Gophr, our couriers are trained to handle these deliveries with care, patience and professionalism, ensuring medicine reaches the destination promptly, and in line with regulations - the same day it’s been ordered”.