Transforming critical medical supplies purchasing and distribution

Our public hospitals will enjoy a fairer, more stable and more cost-effective supply of critical medical supplies – including personal protective equipment – with the creation of a new centralised statewide purchasing and supply organisation.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today announced the establishment of HealthShare Victoria, which will bring together the purchasing power of all of Victoria’s public hospitals into the one organization to manage the purchasing, supply and distribution of medical equipment across our hospitals.

Expanding centralised procurement, supply and distribution means our health services will get better prices and have an efficient network of warehouses and delivery services – with any savings to be reinvested into patient care.

Minister Mikakos highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches have enabled Victoria to manage significant global challenges in securing essential medical supplies:

“This pandemic has shown us how all of our health services working together to source the same critical medical supplies means more equipment at a better price for all of them.

Creating a centralised procurement and supply organisation means medical supplies are available where there needed most, when they’re needed most.”

HealthShare Victoria will absorb the functions currently provided by Health Purchasing Victoria and some other Victorian health organisations. Clinical experts will guide the state’s selection of medical products, while a single integrated stock monitoring and ordering system will minimise the risk of localised shortages.

A transition team has been established to set up the organisation and will also manage the ongoing emergency procurement and supply program established for the coronavirus pandemic response until HealthShare Victoria commences operations on 1 January 2021.

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