Release Date: 2010/11/22

Cape Town – Clicks Group has welcomed the dispensing fee regulations published by the Department of Health on Friday which set a maximum dispensing fee which may be charged by retail pharmacists.

Clicks Group chief executive, David Kneale, said the new four-tier fee structure will provide a fair return to pharmacists and bring much-needed stability to the pharmacy sector.

“Setting a maximum dispensing fee will ensure that consumers are not exploited while still giving pharmacies the flexibility to discount and charge lower fees to customers.”

He said while the regulations provide an opportunity for Clicks to increase its pricing and margins from the current ‘R26.00/26%’ pricing model, “we will continue to be price competitive in line with the brand promise of ‘You Pay Less at Clicks’. We will not charge the maximum fees outlined in the new pricing structure and will continue to focus on gaining market share.”

Clicks operates the largest retail pharmacy network in the country, with 254 dispensaries in its stores nationally.

Pharmacies will now be required to display notices informing customers of the maximum fee structure. All invoices issued to customers must indicate the dispensing fee which has been charged and the single exit price of each medicine.

“We also welcome these provisions in the interests of protecting consumers and ensuring the transparency of the pricing system,” said Kneale.

Ends
Issued by Tier 1 Investor Relations on behalf of the Clicks Group
For further information kindly contact
Graeme Lillie, Tier 1 Investor Relations 021 702 3102 / 082 468 1507