Editor;
Re: Privatize hospital pharmacies (PM Mailbag Friday 29 May 2015) – You seem to forget private hospitals are a business. They have invested billions of $’s in plant and equipment and are there to show a profit for their shareholders. If they were to privatize their pharmacies the shortfall in profit would need to be made up by raising prices somewhere else.
Our most prestigious hospital has over 100 doctors on retainer and a staff of thousands. Surely some cuts could be made there. Do away with the drinks buffet in all reception areas and do we need those attractive welcomers at the main lobby?
I myself fell foul of over charging. The Dr prescribed a medication that I presumed was new to me. I later found out it was the same drug I purchase at the local pharmacy for ß1800. Hospital charge ß3700. Boils down to do your sums right, or let the buyer beware.
I fail to see how it’s a win, win, win situation. 1 Customers win, 2 hospitals lose (sell at a reduced price), 3 local pharmacies lose (loss of sales). So with so many rich shareholders it’s never going to happen.
(I took my duck to a vet thinking it was in a coma. The vet said it was dead. I said no it’s in a coma. Vet went outside and bought his dog in. It nuzzled the duck, shook his head and went away. He then brought a cat in. It smelled the duck, shook his head and scurried away. Vet gave me a bill for $500. Questioning the large amount, the vet replied the initial cost was $ 80 but “lab tests” and “cat scans” don’t come cheep.
A well run business will charge what the market will pay. All these niceties we say could be done away with are most likely “tax deductible”. No, I don’t return the salute of the lift controller (I do sometimes nod thanks). With the Thai custom of “me first” he is necessary to maintain a free flow of fit and impaired people. Correct me if I’m wrong, but for ß174 you can buy 1 share in this hospital, sit in the downstairs diner and watch your money grow.
Bill Neal
