Wal-Mart’s Generic Plan Solves Little

They are taking a saber to working people's arm and now they want credit for selling them band-aids at a reduced cost.

Wal-Mart will roll out their generic drug program four months earlier
than planned according to <a
xhref="http://money.cnn.com/2006/10/05/news/companies/walmart/?postversion=2006100511">CNN
Money</a>.

The plan is to have the program in Florida starting in the upcoming
weeks instead of the original date of January 2007.  Some highlights of
the the plan include 314 generic prescriptions at 30-day supplies and
more 94,000 Florida employees are eligible (and use their 10% discount).

Florida is more than likely a trial ballon for the company with many
other states to follow next year.  Wal-mart has long been criticized
for their business practices including their environmental practices,
the fact they drive out other business in the surrounding area of their
"Super Wal-Marts," do not increase jobs in the area as well as their
pratices of cheap labor here and abroad.

They are beginning to make many moves to curb their negative public
perception by being more environmentally friendly and this bid to offer
generic drugs although both are still in their trial stages.  Hopefully
Wal-Mart will find these to be both profitable but above all find it to
be in the best interest of their business.  Next they just have to
tackle their discrimination lawsuits and maybe allow unions.

But better yet their generic drug program is merely a band-aid on
the gaping laceration of health care in this country.  It a immoral for
this country to have the best health care but only if you have the
money to pay for it.  Nearly 46 million Americans do not have health
insurance, and for the most part it is far too expensive.  According to
the Census Bureau in 2004 the figure stood at 45.8 million and rising.
 

 
Wal-Mart pays their employs low wages and tries to cover it up
by offering this feel good program but it does not negate their role in
our society that has more sick people that need healing.  Wages need to
go up and benefits need to go up.

They are taking a saber to working people's arm and now they want credit for selling them band-aids at a reduced cost.