Should companies allow staff to claim medicines directly from pharmacies?

Companies are increasingly prioritising enhanced healthcare benefits to improve employee welfare and retain top talent. Consisting of medical, dental, and wellness support, these benefits play a crucial role in fostering a healthier and more productive workforce. Through holistic wellness solutions, companies are able to demonstrate their commitment to the overall well-being of their team.

While clinic visits have long been the standard, allowing employees to claim medicines directly from pharmacies offers a modern, efficient, and cost-effective alternative. Here’s why this approach deserves serious consideration:

1. Immediate Access to Medicines with Expert Guidance

   Community pharmacies aren’t just places to pick up your OTC from the shelves, they are hubs of healthcare experts with medicinal knowledge to share. With free consultations from qualified pharmacists, employees can receive professional advice on managing common minor ailments, such as viral infections, diarrhoea, or colds, without the need for a doctor’s visit.

   This approach is especially valuable for treating non-complex conditions, where quick access to medicine is crucial. Employees can skip long queues and avoid waiting for a doctor’s appointment, saving time and money while addressing their health concerns promptly. Pharmacists can also serve as the first point of contact in healthcare, assessing employees’ symptoms to determine if a doctor’s visit is necessary.

2. Convenience Meets Comfort: Complimentary Delivery Services

   Complimentary doorstep delivery of medicines is now offered by online pharmacies like Glovida-Rx, a benefit that’s especially helpful when employees are unwell and in need of rest. For illnesses like diarrhoea, where hydration and home recovery are paramount, the ability to have medications delivered eliminates the need to travel while sick. This added convenience allows employees to recover comfortably. With a more comfortable recovery process, employees are able to resume work at a quicker rate.

3. Cost Savings for Companies

   Claiming medicines from pharmacies can be more cost-effective than clinic visits. For minor conditions, a doctor’s consultation may not be necessary, especially when a pharmacist can provide the needed advice at no cost. Medicine costs have also been kept intentionally lower at certain pharmacies like Glovida-Rx to make medications more accessible for patients. This can translate to significant savings for companies in the long run.

4. Providing Ease of Enquiry for Employees and a Broad Selection of Products

   Online e-pharmacies like Glovida-Rx offer a comprehensive selection of medications and health supplements, streamlining the process for employees when it comes to their healthcare needs. This convenience of checking in with the e-pharmacists quickly over text saves valuable time, allowing employees ample rest instead of having to physically search through various pharmacies and clinics for their products. With a wide range of over-the-counter, pharmacy-only, and prescription-only products, employees enjoy greater selection, flexibility and choice.

5. Boosting Employee Productivity and Well-Being

   Healthy employees are productive employees. By providing access to medicines directly from pharmacies, companies empower their workforce to address minor health issues by seeking professional advice from pharmacists. This reduces the risk of prolonged illness or absences as the pharmacists are able to suggest medication that tackles their symptoms quickly. This system also demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee well-being, allowing employees to feel cared for, and are more likely to put their best foot forward at work.

6. Supporting Preventative Care

   Pharmacists play a vital role in preventative healthcare by designing personalised wellness plans that help prevent medical conditions from escalating into more serious issues. This includes chronic disease management (hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes), medication routine management, immunisation programmes, amongst others. This proactive strategy not only safeguards individual health, but also benefits employers by reducing the risk of larger health workplace crises.

The Future of Corporate Healthcare

Companies looking to stay ahead in employee benefits should embrace this progressive approach. Partnering with pharmacies to offer claimable medicines and delivery services is not only a practical solution for improving access to healthcare, but also a strategic investment in employee well-being, productivity, and satisfaction.

At Glovida-Rx, we’re proud to lead the charge by offering corporate partners seamless access to medicines with free consultations, doorstep delivery, and a customer-centric approach. HR professionals and employers, transform your corporate healthcare strategy by contacting Glovida-Rx today to learn more about holistic wellness programmes. Let’s create a healthier, more productive workforce together.

Reach out to us at +65 8101 5555 or pharmacist@glovida-rx.com.sg for a consultation or to discuss a customised healthcare solution for your organisation.