Australia Post has launched a new service to deliver prescription medicines to customers unable to attend their local chemist during the COVID-19 crisis.
Launched on Monday of this week (30 March), the new Pharmacy Home Delivery Service will offer free delivery on prescriptions in line with Australia Post’s contactless delivery guidelines.
Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Australia Post, Christine Holgate, said COVID-19 was having a significant impact on the lives of all Australians and making home delivery quick and easy for local pharmacies was vital.
“We know so many people rely on their local pharmacy for essential medication, particularly the vulnerable and elderly who may not be able to visit their local store,” Ms Holgate said.
“Making delivery to people’s home is critical at this time,” she said.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt welcomed the initiative saying that in these challenging and unprecedented times it was important that vulnerable members of the community – and those in self-isolation – can continue to access their medications.
Ms Holgate said the new delivery option would support vulnerable Australians, including those isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner, people over 70, and people with chronic health conditions.
“The initiative has been developed in association with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and allows vulnerable members of the community to receive medication and other essential supplies (under 500 grams) through Australia Post’s Express Post network, once a month, and pharmacies can receive the full cost back through government rebate,” Ms Holgate said.
“We also understand the challenges facing small business at the moment and we have designed a simple system that will allow pharmacies to offer Express Postdelivery to their customers, allowing them to continue to trade,” she said.
