Providing quality primary care in mission for accessible, universal health

ForHealth CEO Andrew Cohen discussed the company’s recent achievements and its plans moving forward.

The importance of providing quality primary care cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in maintaining good health, preventing the onset of chronic conditions, and improving patient outcomes. It is likewise essential in reducing healthcare costs and also helps reduce health disparities, being the first point of contact for patients from all walks of life.

ForHealth, a primary care provider in Australia, was recently recognised for its commitment to quality care as it won the Primary Care Provider of the Year - Australia and the Clinical Service Initiative of the Year - Australia awards at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2023. The awards programme honours hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers that have risen above the challenges and made remarkable innovations and efforts for their patients, especially amidst the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For ForHealth CEO Andrew Cohen, these awards reflect the company’s mission as a business and recognise its commitment to accessible and universal health.

“We take great pride in the fact that we have positively impacted the lives of seven million patients, with an astounding 90% of them receiving our services free of charge throughout the year. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing accessible healthcare options, especially in low socioeconomic areas. Our commitment to the community is further exemplified by the introduction of new services, such as urgent care and women's health.” -  Andrew Cohen, ForHealth CEO

Healthcare Asia talked with Cohen to discuss the company’s achievements as well as its milestones in the past year.

Primary care key to improving patient outcomes

As one of the leading primary care providers in Australia, ForHealth notably made three significant achievements over the past year.

Firstly, ForHealth was at the forefront of the Covid-19 response, delivering over 10,000 vaccines per week to communities across Australia. 

It also partnered with the government to establish nine urgent care pilots, with a further 3 about to open. In effect, this project can help hospitals focus on life-threatening emergencies whilst primary care centres will be centred on non-life-threatening medical treatments. As a result, it was able to relieve overloaded emergency departments and hospital ramping. 

Lastly, it addressed an important unmet patient need across Australia by setting up a nationwide network of women’s health clinics—the first of its kind.

With these initiatives in mind, ForHealth was able to strengthen its reputation not only in the healthcare industry but also amongst the general public.

Leaving an impact and looking ahead

Following some of ForHealth’s recent achievements, which have made positive impacts on patient access and outcomes, Cohen noted that the organisation continues with its efforts to drive further improvements in healthcare in Australia.

One of the improvements it seeks to push forward relates to urgent care. Cohen pointed out that its urgent care centres have been welcomed by the community and over 50,000 patients have already received care through these centres “with AUD150 million per annum being committed to the project. In relation to this, the federal and state governments are now set to roll out another 100 urgent care pilots across the country over the next 12 months.

“Patients will be happier, patients will be served quicker, this will save critical hospital resources for the sickest patients, and it will cost the taxpayer three times less,” Cohen said.