Stark picture of Australia’s cardiovascular risk revealed amid $6 billion health division growth

As out-of-pocket costs for GP visits continues to rise, the number of people delaying or simply not seeing their doctor has doubled in the last 12 months. Healthcare stakeholders such as Wesfarmers and HCF are stepping in to offer free health checks, aiming to narrow these access gaps for consumers.

Wesfarmers’ Health division which includes 73 Priceline stores, 396 Priceline pharmacy franchise stores, and serving as a wholesale distributor of pharmaceuticals is on track to achieve $6 billion this year. The growth is driven by a strategic expansion of its digital and pharmacy operations to meet the escalating health demands of Australians.

The inaugural Wesfarmers Health: Australia’s Health Index, unveiled in Canberra by Wesfarmers Health Managing Director Emily Amos and Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney, paints a stark picture of the nation’s cardiovascular health.

This report underscores significant health challenges, particularly regarding heart disease and stroke risk. To combat these issues, Wesfarmers Health is taking proactive steps by offering free screenings at SiSU Health Stations nationwide. This initiative aims to provide real-time data that can track health trends, potentially informing future public health policies.

Key findings from over 3 million digital checks on more than 2 million Australians between 2018 and 2024 indicate that the country’s health score for 2024 stands at 92. This reflects an alarming 8% increase in the likelihood of individuals having two or more cardiometabolic risk factors compared to 2018.

Amos remarked on the mounting pressure on health services, attributing it to an ageing population and the rise of chronic diseases. “We are at an inflection point, and you’re starting to see the strain on the system. There are opportunities for everyone, but the main source of funding is still the government,” she stated.

The index reveals that nearly half of Australians face an elevated risk of heart disease, with 29% having high blood pressure, 26% classified as obese, 13% identified as daily smokers, 6% living with diabetes, and nearly 1 million Australians at extreme risk of heart attack or stroke. Moreover, the data highlights disparities between regional and metropolitan areas.

Particularly concerning is the trend among Gen Z, which leads in daily smoking rates, contributing to the grim statistic that almost 1 million Australians are at extreme risk of a heart attack or stroke.

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has also partnered with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to deliver free life-saving heart health checks to eligible HCF members in regional communities across Australia, through the HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow.

“Cardiovascular disease remains Australian’s number one killer, and regional Australians are disproportionately affected,” said Professor Jason Kovacic, a cardiologist and the Director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. “The HCF Healthy Heart Roadshow allows us to deliver vital heart health checks that can help identify risks early and save lives.”

HCF’s Chief Officer of Member Health, Julie Andrews, said the initiative directly addresses the healthcare barriers faced by many regional Australians, including limited access to preventive health services.

“We know that our members in regional areas face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare,” said HCF’s Chief Officer of Member Health, Julie Andrews. “This roadshow is about making heart health checks more accessible, so members can understand their risk and take action to protect their future health.”  

New data from the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) shows more patients are either delaying or avoiding making appointments. The average fee for a 20-minute appointment is now $78.26 (around $3 higher than in 2023) but 37% of doctors are charging more than $90 for a 20-minute appointment – a 14% increase on last year.

“We’re removing barriers to testing by bringing these checks to familiar and convenient locations,” said Professor Kovacic. “Knowing your numbers – your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar – can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.”

Recognising the critical need for broader health solutions beyond primary care, Wesfarmers identified health as one of its strongest growth sectors. Following the trend set by major U.S. supermarket chains that have acquired general practitioner, dental, and radiology clinics, Wesfarmers acquired Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) for $1 billion in 2022. In 2023, the company further expanded its healthcare offerings with the $135 million acquisition of InstantScripts, which provides telehealth consultations, online prescriptions, medical certificates, and blood tests.

Heart disease claims the life of one Australian every 12 minutes, and 99% of adults have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Yet, many Australians miss out on regular heart health checks, with 64% of those aged 45 to 74 failing to get screened.

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