Press Releases

DUBLIN, Ohio Aug. 15, 2005 – Cardinal Health, Inc., the leading provider of products and services supporting the health care industry, hosted more than 1,400 independent and community pharmacies at its annual Retail Business Conference last month in Chicago. The goal of the Retail Business Conference (RBC) is to strengthen the position of retail independent pharmacists by providing cost-effective buying opportunities, quality continuing education sessions and programs focused on improving overall patient care.

Themed “Pharm Fest ‘05”, RBC 2005 was the 15th annual business conference for Cardinal Health. The four-day conference provided 4,000 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy industry professionals, with numerous educational offerings, networking opportunities, peer interaction and introductions to several new products and programs that enhance pharmacy operations and provide new services focused on quality patient care.

“Although there are challenges facing the industry, independent pharmacy is in a position to take advantage of opportunities and continue to prosper and grow. Their dedication to their communities and profession is relentless. Pharm Fest ’05 is the celebration of the independent pharmacists and their enthusiastic dedication”, said Mark Parrish chairman and chief operating officer of Pharmaceutical Distribution for Cardinal Health.

The 2006 Medicare Part D Educational Forum was a highlight of the conference, which provided an insightful update about the upcoming implementation of Medicare prescription drug coverage. The forum, hosted by Leader® Member Services, was led by the keynote speaker and moderator Susan Dentzer, health correspondent from PBS, The NewsHour and allowed a panel of experts from Centers for Medicare Services (CMS), Community Care Rx (CCRx), MemberHealth, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), LeaderNET®, and a Cardinal Health customer and pharmacy owner who is highly involved in this area to address real questions and concerns from attending pharmacists.

The conference also hosted the kick-off session for the 25 city tour of the National Community Pharmacy Association Medicare Rx Forum Continuing Education sessions which provided attendees with critical information regarding the upcoming Medicare changes and opportunities.

Another highlight of RBC 2005 was the Cardinal Health Showcase of Solutions, comprised of pharmacy solutions for every area of the business. The 7,200 square-foot booth was staffed with experts and loaded with information to address opportunities with reimbursement, marketing strategies, front-end management, technology and profitability.

"The quality of the show from venue, food and entertainment was only outdone by the quality of the information, subject matter and meetings", said Jon Copeland president and chief operating officer of Associated Pharmacies, Inc.

Cardinal Health will host its 16th annual Retail Business Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in July of 2006.

About Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health, Inc. (www.cardinalhealth.com) is the leading provider of products and services supporting the health care industry. Cardinal Health develops, manufactures, packages and markets products for patient care; develops drug-delivery technologies; distributes pharmaceuticals and medical, surgical and laboratory supplies; and offers consulting and other services that improve quality and efficiency in health care. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health employs more than 55,000 people on six continents and produces annual revenues of more than $75 billion. Cardinal Health is ranked No.16 on the current Fortune 500.