Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will receive healthcare services from Medibank Health Solutions (MHS) following a four year $1.3 billion contract.

Following a competitive tender process, MHF will deliver a range of services including on-base health support, pathology, imaging, radiology and a 24-hour ADF national health hotline.

According to the Department of Defence, extensions have been made to November 2012 fore the current health services.

While there will be no change to health care entitlements for ADF personnel, MHS and Defence will work closely with the outgoing service providers for a ‘smooth transition’ to ensure no disruption to services for ADF personnel, the Department said.

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

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon said the MHS contract will assist Defence to streamline the delivery of health services and optimise current services through the adoption of innovations and technology.

“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.

According to Mr Snowdon, personnel will continue to receive the “highest quality” healthcare services under this contract, with the agreement supporting Defence’s goal of “seamless health care from point of injury to recovery”.

To be completed by 5 November, 2012, transition of contracted health services will begin this week.