Australia Post has announced the extension of its Pharmacy Home Delivery Service for a further six months, having successfully delivered essential medical supplies to over 24,000 vulnerable Australians during the pandemic from over 1800 pharmacies.
The extension of this critical service comes as part of the Australian Federal Government’s recent announcement to provide ongoing support for a range of Covid-19 health measures for a further six months.
Since March, pharmacies around the country have been able to offer free delivery on prescriptions to eligible customers through funding provided under the Australian Federal Governments COVID-19 health measures and take advantage of Australia Post’s national network.
The delivery option has supported vulnerable Australians, including those isolating at home on the advice of a medical practitioner, people over 70 and people with chronic health conditions.
In this short and extremely challenging period for Australians, the Australia Post Pharmacy Home Delivery Service has provided participating pharmacies the option to offer an efficient, reliable service to their most vulnerable customers needing essential medicines delivered to their door.
Australia Post has supported delivery on average of over 200 essential medical supplies per day, some days significantly higher, while a recent surge in Victoria driven by stage 4 restrictions has seen deliveries increase to over 300 per day.
The initiative allows vulnerable members of the community to receive medication and other essential supplies under 500g through Australia Post’s Express Post network.
George Tambassis, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said: “We welcome the extension of support for delivery of essential medicines to patients’ homes. The delivery of medicines at this time is vital to ensure people maintain their health as much as possible during the pandemic. We thank Australia Post for providing this service option for pharmacies and their patients.”
Deliveries can be made to the home, or to a local Post Office or 24/7 Parcel Locker for pick-up.
For more information, visit: auspost.com.au/pharmacy and health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-national-health-plan-primary-care-home-medicines-services-to-support-the-response-to-covid-19.
