PHARMACEUTICAL PRIME VENDOR PROGRAM Federal, Tribal, and Urban facilities can order drugs and pharmaceuticals using computers located in their pharmacies. The orders are routed electronically through the NSSC for funding, processing, and payment to the prime vendor. The pharmaceuticals are delivered direct to the facility from the prime vendor. Click on the program heading for more details.

NSSC WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM  

NATIONAL PROGRAMS The NSSC operates three national programs where specific supply items may be ordered by all IHS Federal, Tribal, and Urban facilities throughout the country.

• Azithromycin Program - Facilities may obtain Azithromycin at no cost when used for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Influenza Program - The NSSC consolidates influenza virus vaccine requirements from all across IHS. Quantities are provided to the VA to be included in their National Contract. The vaccine is normally delivered to NSSC customers weeks before it is distributed to the private sector. The NSSC distributed 179,050 doses of vaccine during the 2004-2009 flu season.

DIABETIC PROGRAM  

ANNUAL PURCHASE PROGRAM Certain supply items such as flu vaccine, dental crowns etc., can be ordered annually. Requirements are gathered from all customers and consolidated for purchasing. This often results in lower prices for customers due to larger quantities being bought. NSSC customers are often able to get flu vaccine approximately one month before private healthcare providers and at the lowest cost in the nation.

DROP-SHIPMENT PROGRAM Certain bulky supply items such as toilet paper, paper towels, packs & gowns, etc., are purchased from the manufacturer or distributor and drop-shipped direct to hospitals. This reduces shipping charges and inventory costs.

PRODUCT EVALUATION AND STANDARDIZATION PROGRAM The NSSC coordinates several Product Evaluation Committees composed of customer representatives for the purpose of evaluating and standardizing products to be stocked. Emphasis is placed on health care needs, cost effectiveness, and safety. This process ensures state-of-the-art products will be stocked and available for use by healthcare professionals and other customers.

PRODUCT QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM The NSSC conducts a product quality complaint reporting program where customers can report problems experienced with the quality of items obtained from the NSSC. Corrective actions are taken promptly to resolve quality concerns.