Health promotion

Management of the material topic (GRI 3-3, 203-2)

Particularly in view of the ageing population, preventive health care and prevention are important measures to promote the well-being and health of the Swiss population. Galenica has embedded this approach in its strategy.

Thanks to Galenica’s healthcare services, customers receive the necessary advice in the pharmacy in the event of acute ailments and, if necessary, the appropriate medication based on the diagnosis. This may also include prescription medicines. Advice is straightforward and cost-effective and helps patients to recover quickly. To simplify the billing of these services, Galenica cooperates with various health insurers to promote the pharmacy as a location of primary care in alternative health insurance models.

Vaccination is another approach to health promotion. In addition to flu and tick vaccinations, other vaccinations, such as against COVID-19, tetanus, whooping cough and shingles, can also be administered in pharmacies in many cantons. Before a vaccination is given, the suitability is always clarified and advice is provided. Companies are also increasingly interested in the option of having flu vaccines administered in pharmacies. In 2024, we concluded cooperation agreements with almost 100 companies that offer their employees free flu vaccination as part of their health initiatives. Pharmacies can document vaccinations digitally and check vaccination status electronically using Documedis^® Vaccination and the Vac Check by HCI Solutions. On this basis, customers can be provided with comprehensive advice and recurring vaccination appointments can be scheduled.

Galenica offers various other check-ups in its pharmacies to prevent diseases. HerzCheck^® (CardioTest) is the prevention service offered by the Swiss Heart Foundation and can help to determine the risk of heart attacks and strokes and, if possible, to prevent them. Galenica also offers blood pressure and blood sugar measurements in its pharmacies as well as rapid allergy tests that check the blood for antibodies against allergens. Once the results of these checks are available, customers are advised by trained specialists.

Objective health promotion

↗  Realistic
→ Partially delayed/critical
↘  Critical
=  Achieved
×  Not achieved

The range of healthcare services is continuously being built upon, which comes hand in hand with the further training of specialist staff, measures to promote awareness of the offer and investments in discreet consultation zones.

Evaluation of the management approach and measures

• Targets from the corporate strategy for expanding paid consultations, vaccination and prevention.
• Increasing the number of services and advice used in pharmacies.
• Increasing sales through services and consultations offered in pharmacies.

Healthcare services

Basic care provided by pharmacies is a key pillar of the Swiss healthcare system. Galenica successfully rolled out the “Consultation Plus” concept in 2024, following a successful pilot project at several pharmacies with a view to improving the customer experience in pharmacies and further establishing the pharmacy as the first point of contact for health issues. The concept was developed in collaboration with customers. “Consultation Plus” is not a new service, but a holistic approach to developing and positioning healthcare services in Galenica pharmacies. The figures show that there is strong demand among customers for both consultation and healthcare services. In the 2024 financial year, 193,000 paid advisory and service consultations were conducted in Galenica pharmacies, 39% more than in the previous year. The focus is on consultations for common health problems such as urinary tract infections, skin problems, conjunctivitis and erectile dysfunction.