Wal-Mart's $4 generic prescription drug program, unveiled last
Thursday in Greer, certainly could reduce health-care costs for a
segment of South Carolina's population. And that's a good thing for
those people and this state.
Under the program that now is available in 3,009 Wal-Mart
pharmacies in 38 states, Wal-Mart offers about 300 drugs in 26
categories for $4 a prescription. Certainly Wal-Mart isn't being
entirely altruistic -- its main goal, after all, is to turn a
profit. But the retail giant maintains that it is not selling the
drugs as a loss-leader, an item sold at a loss simply to draw people
into the store.
Wal-Mart often gets criticized for its aggressive marketing
tactics. But it is hard to find fault with it on this. Al Dominguez,
Wal-Mart director of pharmacy administration, told The News that
Wal-Mart is capitalizing on bulk purchases and a streamlined
distribution system.
There's an added benefit for consumers here, as well.
Mauldin-based Bi-Lo/Bruno's said its 173 pharmacies will honor
Wal-Mart's prices. In addition, Kmart offers a generic drugs program
that lets consumers buy three months of medication for $5. That
effort started in March and is in place at the chain's 1,110
pharmacies.
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Once again, Wal-Mart is demonstrating its ability to impact the
marketplace. That impact can be positive or negative, but in this
case, those who need certain prescription drugs available in generic
form certainly will benefit from Wal-Mart's latest price-cutting
tactic.
Gov. Mark Sanford, who attended a news conference at Wal-Mart in
Greer, said, "This announcement of $4 prescription drugs is
significant. It's about the cost of health care in South Carolina."
He said Wal-Mart's plan is one of "lots of little silver bullets"
that will help reduce health-care costs.
He might be right. At a time when health-care costs are soaring
and many people in this state lack sufficient or any insurance
coverage, this will be a beneficial program.
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