The Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement Introduced the Community Service Obligation (CSO) Funding Pool in July 2006 in recognition of the additional costs faced by some pharmaceutical wholesalers in providing the full range of PBS medicines to pharmacies.

The CSO Funding Pool has continued under the Fifth and Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement.

The Aim of the Community Service Obligation (CSO) is to Ensure there are Arrangements in place for all Australians to have access to the full range of PBS medicines, via their community pharmacy, regardless of where they live.

CSO Distributors currently eligible under the CSO are:

Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (National Distributor);

Sigma Pharmaceuticals Limited (National Distributor);

Symbion Pharmacy Services Pty Ltd (National Distributor); and

Friendly Society Medical Association Limited, also known as National Pharmacies (State Distributor)


Community Service Obligation for Pharmaceutical Wholesalers