National Health Act 1953

Upon application by a hospital authority, the Minister may, in the Minister’s discretion but subject to subsection (5), approve a hospital authority for the purpose of its supplying pharmaceutical benefits to patients receiving treatment in or at the hospital of which it is the governing body or proprietor.

The approval of a hospital authority under subsection (1) may be expressed to be subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister determines.

Where a hospital authority desires to supply pharmaceutical benefits to patients receiving treatment in or at several hospitals:

a separate application shall, unless the Minister otherwise allows, be made in respect of each hospital; and

separate approval may be granted in respect of each hospital.

Where an approved hospital authority desires to supply pharmaceutical benefits to patients receiving treatment in or at a hospital other than a hospital in respect of which approval has been granted, the Minister may, on application by the approved hospital authority, grant approval in respect of that other hospital.

Where the Minister makes a decision granting or rejecting an application made by a hospital authority under this section, the Minister shall cause to be served on the hospital authority, notice in writing of that decision.

A hospital authority shall not be approved under this section in respect of a hospital unless the dispensing of drugs and medicinal preparations at that hospital is performed by or under the direct supervision of a medical practitioner or pharmacist.

The Minister may, in the Minister’s discretion, at any time, by notice in writing, vary, or suspend or revoke, an approval in force under this section (including an approval granted before the commencement of this subsection).

A suspension under subsection (5A) has effect for such period as the Minister determines and specifies in the notice of suspension.