Sigma: GP co-pay could help
September 12, 2014
SIGMA ceo Mark Hooper has said
the proposed $7 GP co-payment,
should it come about, could work in
favour of pharmacy.
Hooper told the Sydney Morning
Herald that if the co-payment came
in, should there be any hesitation
from people wanting to see a
doctor, the next place they would
head to would be a pharmacy.
A Sigma spokesperson said people
might head to their pharmacy for
minor ailments rather than pay
extra to see a doctor.
Hooper told the publication with
the old model of the majority of
funds coming through dispensing
gone, additional services could
account for up to 20% of a
pharmacist’s income, looking at
overseas models.
The spokesperson said by putting
structured professional service
programs in place, this allowed
pharmacy members to be ready if
the government and public started
paying for such services.
The comments come after Sigma
posted half year profit of $33.5m,
up 34.5% year on year (PD Breaking
News yesterday).
The company said it anticipated
strong growth of business in the
next six months and beyond.
Continued sales growth along
with a full six months contribution
from CHS in the second half of the
year would boost sales and profit,
with the addition of DDS (PD 09
Sep) adding momentum.
Hooper said that the company
would see ongoing incremental
benefits as the portfolio of private
and exclusive label products gained
momentum - CLICK HERE for more.
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