The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, has announced a new $1.3 billion contract between Defence and Medibank Health Solutions (MHS), to provide health care services to ADF personnel across Australia. The MHS agreement is for an initial four-year term.

MHS won the contract after a competitive tender process and will deliver a broad range of services, including on-base health support, pathology, imaging and radiology and a 24-hour ADF national health hotline.

“Defence’s highest priority is the health and well being of its personnel. Under this contract, our servicemen and women will continue to receive the highest quality health care services. The agreement will support Defence’s goal of seamless health care from point of injury to recovery,” Mr Snowdon said.

There will be no change to health care entitlements for ADF personnel.

“This contract with MHS will also assist Defence to streamline the delivery of health services, and optimise current services through the adoption of new innovations and technology.”

Medibank Health Solutions has a proven record for providing high quality, innovative and cost-effective health care services to the community, to business and to government at a national level for over 35 years.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring support for our ADF members is seamless, particularly during the transition from active service into the veterans community,” Mr Snowdon said.

The current health services contracts have been extended to November 2012. MHS and Defence will facilitate a smooth transition to the new contract and will work closely with the outgoing service providers, to ensure no disruption to services for ADF personnel.

Transition of contracted health services will begin next week and will be completed by 5 November 2012. 

There will be no change to health care on deployment with ADF health professionals to continue providing these services.