What is the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)?

The NDSS is a Commonwealth program that provides blood and urine testing strips and consumables for special injection systems at subsidised prices to people who register for its benefits. In addition to this, all state and territory governments have agreed to fund the co-payments for needles and syringes thus making them free for all NDSS registrants.

Diabetes Australia has administered the NDSS for the Commonwealth since 1987.

Who can register for the NDSS?

People who reside in Australia and

1. have been diagnosed as having diabetes and
2. hold or are eligible for an Australian Medicare card

are entitled to register for Commonwealth Government subsidised products.

To qualify for NDSS benefits you must first complete a Registration Form, have it signed by your medical doctor and either mail it to Diabetes Australia GPO Box 9824 (insert your State/Territory capital city and its postcode) OR visit the Diabetes Australia office in your capital city.

The NDSS Registration form can be obtained from Diabetes Australia. Phone 1300 136 588 to contact your nearest office.

There is no cost to register for the NDSS.

What are the benefits of the NDSS?

Approved products – syringes, needles for special injection pens and blood and urine test strips – are available at subsidised prices generally below those of other sources of supply.