Free private healthcare for pensioners at Clicks clinics

For pensioners trying to avoid long waits at public clinics, a free private healthcare option is available at selected Clicks pharmacies.

According to a report by The South African, pensioners without medical aid can access certain basic clinic services at no cost through Clicks’ Helping Hand initiative.

Free healthcare on Wednesdays

The Helping Hand Trust was launched by Clicks in 2011 in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health.

The initiative initially focused on baby education, healthcare advice and basic clinic services for young mothers. It has since expanded nationwide and now provides free basic clinic services at selected Clicks pharmacies.

Pensioners who do not have medical aid can use the service on Wednesdays.

The free screenings can include basic checks for heart health and diabetes. A Clicks nurse can check cholesterol levels, measure blood pressure and conduct a glucose test, while also providing healthcare advice.

HIV testing and counselling are also among the free services available.

How pensioners can book

Pensioners can visit a participating Clicks clinic on Wednesdays between 8am and 5pm and wait for assistance.

For those who would rather avoid the queue, appointments can be booked online through the Clicks website.

When making an online booking, customers need to look for services with “Helping Hand” in the appointment title.

Appointments can be made for up to four people, with confirmation sent by SMS and email.

The service can also be booked by contacting Clicks’ customer service line.

Some services still come at a cost

Not every clinic service offered by Clicks is free under the Helping Hand programme.

According to The South African, selected Clicks clinics also provide services such as pap smears, breast examinations and non-invasive prostate screening, but these may carry an additional charge.

For pensioners with medical aid who want private healthcare at a lower cost, Clicks also offers premium clinic services from Monday to Friday.

These include heart health and diabetes screenings, flu and pneumonia vaccinations, vitamin injections and nurse-assisted virtual consultations with a doctor.

Dis-Chem also offers virtual consultations

Pensioners looking for alternatives can also consider Dis-Chem.

The retailer provides basic clinic services through its nurses and also offers virtual doctor consultations, where a nurse assists during the appointment.

According to The South African, these virtual consultations are roughly 45% cheaper than seeing a local doctor in person.

For pensioners concerned about the cost or time involved in accessing healthcare, these pharmacy-based services provide another option for basic health checks and consultations.

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Source: The South African