CVS is the second largest pharmacy company in the US. Its public image has not been great – it has effective local monopolies in many parts of the country, its staff are generally so-so, and the look of its stores is uninviting (I compare it with the bright, clean modern look of Boots in England, and that company has a total monopoly, and might be expected not to care about service and appearance).
However, they have announced a really encouraging development – they will be terminating the sale of tobacco products, and instead developing a series of drop-in health clinics for minor ailments – colds, flu etc., hopefully taking the load off the inadequate number GPs (see my post on the waiting times to see doctors in many areas of the US), and assisting in the prevention of illness rather than the treatment of it. They are doing deals with hospitals and insurance companies so they they can be a genuine first resort for sick people, 7 days in the week.
What has this to do with Epicureanism? Well, Epicureanism promotes the idea of pleasure and the good life. You cannot have a good , happy life if you are constantly ill. So anything that makes it easier to see a healthcare worker, get good advice and maybe immediate alleviation of pain, is an excellent development.
Not only are there too few GPs but increasing numbers refuse Medicare patients, because they don’t make enough money out of them. Patients are now asked to join a “special access” arrangement, which allows them to consult their GPs whenever they want,for which they pay an up-front fee. This is o.k and very convenient – if you have the money. If you don’t what do you do? CVS seems to be stepping in to help. Maybe others will as well.
But it’s a mess!