PEOPLE MEETING COMMON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL NEEDS TOGETHER

Provides affordable medical and healthcare services

Because their focus is their members and they are not profit maximising, primary healthcare co-operatives are able to deliver medical services that are often more affordable than their listed counterparts.

Provides a wide range of healthcare services at no or low cost

Primary healthcare co-operatives are able to provide services at low cost because they place a focus on member value ahead of short-term profit.

Opens new primary care facilities in under-served areas

Primary healthcare co-operatives are better able to operate in under served areas because their focus is on serving their members rather than maximising profits; they are more likely to open new facilities in areas where their listed counterparts would not.

Owned by patients and operates to serve the community’s interests

Primary healthcare co-operatives are differently owned. Because they are owned by their members they can focus on the local interests of particular communities which can be informed through dialogue with their members.

Examples