MEDIA RELEASE 31 March 2019 – The National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA) welcomes the recent Federal Government announcement that its four member organisations – Sigma Healthcare, Symbion, Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) and NPD (National Pharmacies) – have been reappointed to participate in the Community Service Obligation (CSO).
The new contracts will commence on 1 April 2019 and run until 30 June 2020, with the option of an initial extension of two years and the provision for a further two, one-year extensions until 30 June 2024.
NPSA Chairman Mark Hooper welcomed the continuing commitment by the Government to supporting universal access to medicines through the wholesale distribution system.
“The CSO is a world-class example of public health policy that supports the national interest. Government, pharmacists and patients benefit despite the unique logistical and cost challenges of medicine distribution in a country the size of Australia,” he said.
“This ensures that all Australians, regardless of location, can rely on timely delivery of all PBS medicines to and through their community pharmacy and the NPSA remains committed to working with the Government to uphold the strict standards of the CSO.
“The NPSA believes in a CSO that is open and fair for all who meet its standards. We also maintain however, that strict govenance of those standards is critical to ensuring that the system can continue to meet its objectives in supporting equitable access to medicines.
“We look forward to continued engagement with the Department of Health over the duration of the new contracts and it is our hope that we can work towards extending the Deeds for as long as possible,” he said.
The National Pharmaceutical Services Association represents CSO wholesalers Australian Pharmaceutical Industries, National Pharmacies, Sigma Healthcare and Symbion.
Contact: Myles Wallace on 0432 866 094 or [email protected]