A former NSW pharmacist will spend at least four years behind bars after trying to defraud taxpayers of more than $19 million.

The man was involved in falsely claiming benefits through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

He was sentenced on Friday in a Sydney court to six years and four months in prison with a non-parole period of four years.

His sentencing follows a jury finding him guilty in April 2021 of conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth.

The Department of Health said the action against the man was the result of a tip off to its tip-off hotline.

It said the sentencing was the culmination of work involving the department, federal police and prosecutors.

"The sentencing outcome shows the serious consequences of attempts by trusted health providers to defraud taxpayers," a statement from the department said on Saturday.