THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Ramsay Health Care Australia for alleged anti-competitive conduct involving misuse of market power and exclusive dealing in the Coffs Harbour region.
A group of surgeons planning to set up a competing private day surgery facility were allegedly advised by Ramsay that their access to operating theatre time at Baringa Hospital would be restricted or even withdrawn.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims alleged that this was anticompetitive behaviour and misuse of market power and consequently is seeking pecuniary penalties, declarations, compliance program orders, and costs from Ramsay.
Last year Ramsay flagged a major expansion of its pharmacy operations (PD 31 Aug 2016), with the aim of establishing a group of community pharmacies across the country and a network currently comprising 28 outlets in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
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