Welsh Government has announced a new scheme to deliver prescriptions to people who aren’t able to collect them themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scheme is a partnership between the government, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), Wales’ third sector organisations and the Royal Mail.

The arrangements will support community pharmacies and doctors to allocate deliveries to volunteer drivers where people do not have family, friends or neighbours who can collect their prescriptions for them.

Over 650 community pharmacies in Wales have signed up to the new scheme, with more than 400 volunteers already recruited.

Volunteers for the scheme have been recruited directly by Welsh Government, working alongside the British Red Cross, and include individuals from the pharmaceutical industry, optometry practices and Welsh Government employees.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething MS, said: “Community pharmacies are on the front line in our fight against Covid-19, working extremely hard to ensure people still receive their prescribed medicines. 

“The scheme announced today will provide additional capacity for community pharmacies and dispensing doctors to ensure the health and wellbeing of those shielding continues to be supported.”

Raj Aggarwal, NPA board member for Wales, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with the Welsh Government, to provide a solution that help brings volunteers into play and maintain patient safety. It’s good to see Wales leading the way”.