The ACCC proposes to grant re-authorisation to enable eRx Script Exchange Pty Ltd (eRx) to continue to give effect to a revenue sharing arrangement with IP MDS Pty Ltd (formerly MediSecure Pty Ltd) (MDS). The revenue sharing arrangement facilitates the interoperability between the parties’ electronic pharmaceutical prescription exchange systems. This means that patients can go to any pharmacy to get medicine, regardless of which system the doctor uses.
The ACCC considers the revenue sharing arrangement is likely to result in public benefits in the form of increased efficiencies for pharmacies in dispensing prescriptions, greater convenience for patients by being able to access electronic prescription services at more pharmacies, and reduced transcription and interpretation errors of medical prescriptions.
The ACCC proposes to grant authorisation until 30 June 2025.
The ACCC now invites submissions in relation to this draft determination by 27 November 2020, before making its final decision.
Further information about the ACCC’s draft determination is available on the ACCC public register at: eRx Script Exchange Pty Ltd.