To address identified barriers in accessing the PBS, special arrangements were introduced in 1999 for the supply of PBS medicines to clients of eligible remote area Aboriginal Health Services (RAAHSs).

Clients of more than 160 RAAHSs, including Aboriginal community controlled AHSs and remote services operated by the States and Territories, benefit from improved PBS access through these arrangements.

The links to the right of the page provide access to more specific PBS s100 Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services (RAAHS) Program information.

For further information about PBS access by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, please email the Department (S100-remotepharmsupport@health.gov.au).

Supply of pharmaceutical benefits to eligible remote area Aboriginal Health Services (the RAAHS Program)

Scope of the arrangements

Under these arrangements, clients of approved RAAHSs are able to receive medicines directly from the AHS at the time of consultation, without the need for a normal PBS prescription form*, and without charge.

The arrangements cover essential, cost effective medicines which are currently listed in Section 2 of the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits (including Palliative Care items), in force at the time of supply, EXCLUDING:

1. medicines that can only be supplied under s100 of the Act, including Highly Specialised Drugs;
2. emergency drug (Prescriber’s Bag) supplies; and
3. medicines which are Schedule 8 ('Controlled Drugs, eg Opiod Analgestics'), as defined by the drugs and poisons legislation in the relevant State or Territory.

Note that extemporaneously prepared items (Section 4 of the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefit items cannot be supplied via these arrangements.

* This includes PBS medicines marked 'Authority Required' in the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. While no hard copy PBS Authority to Prescribe forms are required, Authority or restricted benefit items are only available under these arrangements when they are used in accordance with the relevant restriction or condition. Applicants must declare that they will comply with this provision, when seeking approval to participate in these arrangements.

Further information:

Please email the Department (S100-remotepharmsupport@health.gov.au).