Company Profile: Primary Health Care

INTRODUCTION

Primary Health Care Limited is an Australian public company which generates the majority of its income from the delivery of medical, para-medical and other associated health services in Australia. Primary Health Care Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. In 2006 the company employed 1,875 people throughout its operations. Primary Health Care has centres in the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and NSW, where its head office is located.

HISTORY / BACKGROUND

The company was incorporated in New South Wales in 1994 as Hygristor Pty Ltd, and by 1998 it had developed into the public entity known as Primary Health Care Limited.

1998 - The company acquired John R. Elder Pty Ltd. Primary Health Care Limited listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

1999 - Primary Health Care acquired Darkrow Pty Ltd, which traded as General Clinical Laboratories, which was at the time the third largest provider of pathology services in New South Wales.

2000 - Sydney Diagnostic Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, trading as SDS, a provider of pathology services in New South Wales, was acquired.

2005 - Primary Health Care acquired both Health Communication Network Limited (HCN) and Abbott Pathology Pty Ltd (Abbott).

PRODUCTS

The main activities of Primary Health Care Limited are the delivery of medical, para-medical and pathology services, daycare surgery and health technology provision. Primary Health Care divides its operations into four separate business segments based solely in Australia;

Service Company for Medical Centres

This division is a service company for medical and related services including general practitioners, radiology, chemist, pathology collection, daycare surgery, physiotherapy, support services, and consulting specialist services.

Pathology Operations

This division provides pathology services.

Health Technology

This division develops, sells and supports health related software products to health care professionals.

Investments

This division buys and develops medical centres which have been sold to third parties and leased the service company division. This division also invests in shares listed on the ASX.