Healthcare

Co-operative primary healthcare services…

  • Provide affordable medical and healthcare services
  • Provide a wide range of healthcare services at no or low cost
  • Open new primary care facilities in under-served areas
  • Are owned by patients and operates to serve the community’s interests

Provide 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. 

Provide 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. 

Open 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.

Are 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.

Healthcare examples

AFSPA Logo

Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association

Representing Friendly Society Pharmacies, and the voice of mutual community pharmacy in Australia.
Industry: Healthcare
Australian Unity Logo

Australian Unity

National healthcare, financial services and independent and assisted living organisation for over 175 years. Australian Unity has over 7,000 employees providing services to nearly a million Australians.
Established Year: 1840
Type: Mutual
UFS Dispensaries Ltd logo

UFS Dispensaries Ltd

A member-owned healthcare organisation providing compassionate, first-class medical, pharmacy and well-being services to its members and the wider community, operating 22 pharmacies, three medical centres, sixteen Supercare Nursing services, a day spa and COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics.
Established Year: 1881
Industry: Healthcare

Healthcare submissions

National Dementia Action Plan Submission

The BCCM would like to engage with Government to explore how co-operatives can help people-centred care delivery for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.
Jurisdiction: Commonwealth
Committee: Department of Health and Aged Care
Submission Date: 31 Jan 2023

Prudential capital standards for health insurance

BCCM called on APRA to work with the mutual health insurers to find a solution for the practical use of MCIs.
Jurisdiction: Commonwealth
Committee: APRA
Submission Date: 31 Mar 2022

Inquiry into the value and affordability of private health insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs

The BCCM highlighted the focus of mutual insurers on delivering value to members.
Jurisdiction: Commonwealth
Committee: Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
Submission Date: 28 Jul 2017