Australia Post has announced an extension of its Pharmacy Home Delivery Service for a further six months, having successfully delivered essential medical supplies from more than 1,800 pharmacies to more than 24,000 vulnerable Australians during the pandemic. The extension to the 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 Australia have been able to offer free delivery on prescriptions to eligible customers through funding provided under the government’s Covid-19 health measures and take advantage of Australia Post’s unrivaled 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 those with chronic health conditions. Australia Post says it has supported delivery of more than 200 essential medical supplies per day, some days considerably more, while a recent surge in Victoria driven by Stage 4 restrictions has seen deliveries increase to more than 300 per day. The initiative enables vulnerable members of the community to receive medication and other essential supplies under 500g through Australia Post’s Express Post network.
Gary Starr, Australia Post’s executive general manager of business, government and international, commented, “Over the last six months through the Pharmacy Home Delivery Service we’ve been able to implement a simple system that’s made a big difference for pharmacies and their customers right across the country, and we’re delighted to be announcing this extension. The pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for everyone, but it has been particularly difficult for the elderly and vulnerable in our community who haven’t been able to travel safely to their local store or to the pharmacy as they normally would.
“Australia Post hasn’t closed for a single day through the pandemic; our Post Offices have remained open and our posties and drivers have been delivering every day, supporting businesses and the broader Australian community.”