Pharmacies: A slice of £32 million AI-based funding to boost NHS prescription deliveries

A new project aimed at improving NHS prescription deliveries using AI algorithms to receive a share of £32 million from the government to help UK pharmacies 

Pharmacies that deliver prescriptions nationwide are set to benefit from new financial support from the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology funding plan announced earlier this month.

In an announcement aimed at improving productivity and public services supported by a share of £32 million, the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology said it is set to make major investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including the mission to "build an NHS which is fit for the future".

A Nottingham-based organisation, Anteam, is one of the key beneficiaries of this plan and will be working alongside retailers and the NHS to improve the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms.

"This technology will match the delivery needs of retailers and hospitals to existing delivery journeys, unlocking under-utilised capacity, cutting carbon emissions and delivering a better experience for patients," the Department said.

Minister of Digital Government and AI, Feryal Clark, emphasised the importance of AI in transforming public services.

"AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services," she stated.

By supporting "initiatives like this will be so crucial" to improve experiences "for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them", Clark added that, "We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition."

Almost 100 ground-breaking projects have been awarded financial backing as the government continues its mission to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI.

According to the government, a total of 98 projects from Southampton to Birmingham and Northern Ireland will receive funding, involving more than 200 businesses and research organisations spanning a range of sectors including public services, driving efficiencies and reducing administrative tasks.

Sharing the exciting news on their social media handles, Anteam, said that : "This recognition underscores our excellence in AI and the significant strides we have made in the application of the technology to create a sustainable logistics future."