The Department of Health and Aged Care has developed an API for the efficient distribution of PBS schedule data to authorised software vendors and developers. The API will replace all existing formats (XML and text files) of PBS schedule data distribution.
Since November 2023, the API has been considered a production system. Software vendors are encouraged to commence the activities required to use the API in their software.
After extensive consultation with software developers, data consumers and government stakeholders, the Department has revised the timeline for the transition, noting the request by some select stakeholders for additional time to complete the transition.
The new timeline is as follows:
- May 2024 will be the last PBS schedule for which data in existing formats will be released under embargo.
- From the June 2024 PBS schedule onwards, data released under embargo will be made available only via the API.
A version of the API for use by the general public is also in development. This API will be made available in early 2024.
Further information on the project and consultation to date is available on the Data Distribution Project web page.
We are committed to supporting your transition, please contact hpp.support@health.gov.au with any questions regarding the project.