Where pensioners can get private healthcare for free
· The South African
Getting healthcare is either an expensive process or a whole-day event.
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Pensioners have a choice between sitting in long queues at a government clinic or paying R650 for a checkup at a local doctor.
That isn’t the case at one private healthcare provider, where pensioners can book an appointment for free.
Free Private Health Care
Clicks launched its Helping Hand Trust in 2011 in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health (WCDH).
At the time, the initiative was intended to offer baby education, healthcare advice, and basic clinic services to young mothers.
Since then, it has spread nationwide. The service has also expanded.
Now, select Clicks pharmacies offer free basic clinic services on Wednesdays.
To qualify for the free service, pensioners must not have medical aid.
If they do, they will be charged through their medical aid.
Typically, the cost for this service ranges from R120 to R350 depending on the reason for the visit.
On Wednesdays, pensioners can visit a Clicks with a clinic and get a basic checkup for heart health or diabetes.
During these health screenings, the Clicks nurse will check cholesterol levels, measure blood pressure, conduct a glucose test, and offer healthcare advice.
Other free services offered by the retailer include HIV testing and counselling.
Select Clicks’ clinics also offer pap smears, breast exams, and non-invasive prostate screening, but these come at an additional cost.
Booking a Free Clinic Appointment
If your local Clicks has a clinic, you can wait in the queue from 08:00 to 17:00 on Wednesdays.
However, to skip the queue, you can book an appointment online by visiting the Clicks website.
When booking an appointment, you need to select the services with “Helping Hand” in the title.
It’s possible to make an appointment for up to four people. Confirmation will be sent via sms and email.
Pensioners can also book their Helping Hand appointment by dialling the retailer’s customer service line.
Affordable Private Healthcare for Pensioners
Pensioners who want affordable private healthcare through their medical aid can also use Clicks.
The retailer offers premium clinic services between Monday and Friday.
In addition to the heart health and diabetes screening, Clicks offers:
- Flu vaccinations
- Pneumonia vaccination
- Vitamin injections
They also have a nurse-assisted virtual doctor consultation.
During these sessions, the doctor guides the consultation, and the nurse will assist.
Dischem offers similar services.
Dischem nurses provide basic clinic services, but they can also lead a virtual doctor appointment.
These consultations are roughly 45% cheaper than an in-person consultation at a local doctor.