Australia Post launches free medicine delivery service for vulnerable Aussies

Australia Post has thrown its support behind vulnerable Aussies in their time of need with the launch of a new free medicine delivery service to help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The Pharmacy Home Delivery Service will be available from Monday onwards and builds on the government’s announcement to allocate $25 million to fund home medicine services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vulnerable Australians, including those isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner, people aged 70 and over and people with chronic health conditions will all have access to the service which allows them to receive medication and other essential supplies (under 500 grams) through Australia Post’s Express Post network, once a month.

Speaking about the decision, Christine Holgate, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Australia Post, said it’s vital for the health and safety Australians during this difficult time.

“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,” she said. “Making delivery to people’s home is critical at this time.”

Meanwhile, George Tambassis, National President of the Pharmacy Guild, said this important service will add to the options available for the many community members who rely on medication to maintain their health and wellbeing.

“Pharmacies provide critical services to members of the community who require medicines and health advice, with many Australians reliant on continued medication to support their long-term heath,” he said. “In any one year there are over 465 million individual patient visits to community pharmacies around the world.

“With their extensive network across the country, the services Australia Post will deliver for our members gives us confidence and reassurance our customers will get the support they need during this difficult and uncertain time.”

The deliveries can be made to the home, to a local post office or to a 24/7 parcel locker for pick-up. If a parcel is being delivered to a home or post office, Australia Post has also ensured the safety of its customers by removing the requirement of a signature for delivery or collections.

In all cases, whether a driver or postie delivers to the door or a customer goes in to their local post office to collect a parcel, an Australia Post staff member will ask and record the customer’s name and acknowledge delivery in their system.

The customer will still need to be present for this to occur, but contact will be minimised by either leaving the parcel at the door until the driver or postie has left the premises or left for the customer to pick up on the counter.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.