Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA) announces that it has been awarded a services agreement by the Australian government to administer the 23 Community Pharmacy Programs funded under the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement (6CPA). AHA will commence administration of these programs from February 1, 2019.
AHA was awarded this services agreement following a competitive tender process undertaken by the Department of Health and has substantial experience administering government programs. Notably, AHA currently administers the Community Service Obligation Funding Pool and the Chemotherapy Compounding Payment Scheme on behalf of the department.
Richard Stock, AHA Founding Director, said, “Our aim is to build on the committed work of the Guild which has administered these programs over many years, to ensure professional and efficient payment for services to pharmacies and other stakeholders.”
AHA will engage the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) to advise on and support the administration of these programs.
Dr Shane Jackson, PSA President, said, “PSA will provide subject matter know-how to assist AHA to ensure program administration is efficient and effective for pharmacies. We will draw on our sector expertise and extensive network to deliver education and training, as well as coordinate communications and stakeholder management activities.”
In early 2019, AHA will:
- Establish a support centre and website; and
- Provide details to stakeholders of the transition arrangements for each program.
AHA will operate under the name ‘Pharmacy Programs Administrator’ for the administration of these programs and future media releases and communications will be issued under this branding.
