Novartis unlocks private prescription access with new digital platform

Novartis Australia has launched a private prescription platform to streamline access to TGA-approved, on-label Novartis medicines for healthcare professionals and their patients.

Approximately 15% of prescription medicines in Australia are dispensed privately through community pharmacies, outside the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Novartis Connect targets this segment, responding to rising demand from prescribers and patients.

Matt Zeller, Country President of Novartis Australia and New Zealand, said “Australia has well-established government access pathways, like the PBS and Medicare, that subsidise a wide range of prescription medicines. However, some people still rely on private prescriptions because they are not eligible for PBS-reimbursed medicines.”

He further added, “Novartis Connect recognises that the private prescription market in Australia is growing. The new channel simplifies access to our medicines for prescribers, and their patients, who are seeking alternative ways to fulfil prescriptions in a digital-first world.”

Novartis Connect integrates both the Novartis Private Prescription Program (NPPP) and the Hospital Ordering Portal (HOP) into one digital hub.

The NPPP is an e-script solution delivered in partnership with TerryWhite Chemmart (TWC). The model allows privately prescribed Novartis medicines to be ordered and paid for online via the myTWC app across TWC’s network of 600 Australian pharmacies. While currently restricted to selected medicines, the NPPP scope will expand over the coming months.

For hospital pharmacies, the Hospital Ordering Portal (HOP) provides a secure platform for ordering Novartis medicines for on-label, non-PBS use. This solution simplifies internal workflows by offering direct access, order tracking, and seamless reconciliation.

“It’s an important solution for our customers in hospitals who are managing patients who rely on private prescriptions every day,” said Nicholas Brittain, Chief Operating Officer at Akesa, who is managing the HOP on behalf of Novartis.

“The HOP provides healthcare institutions, like hospitals, with a smarter way to manage non-PBS medicine supply, enabling direct access to Novartis products via a secure online platform. With easy product look-up, order tracking, secure delivery and streamlined reconciliation, hospital teams have more time to focus on what matters most – patient care.”

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