A Melbourne, Australia-based company has sent a letter to its employees to cover the monthly costs of the controversial drug Ozempic, which it offers for "weight management."
Conversion Digital, a digital marketing agency with over 70 employees, sent an email to all of its employees to discuss “weight management.”
In a company email shared with News.com.au, the company explains that it is pleased to introduce a "new employee rewards program" to support employees interested in a "well-being" journey. be personal.”
The email explained that the company wanted to focus on “weight management” and would pay for prescriptions employees took.
In the letter, the company states that it knows its employees are not "healthcare professionals" but wants to promote a "proactive approach to health."
Below are two options that might interest you. These are uncharted territories, and although we are not medical professionals, we can share the impact we are seeing overseas,” the email said.
The letter lists two prescription drugs that will be covered by the monthly benefit of $200 [$128].
One was Ozempic, which was only approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and the other was Wegovy, a prescription medication for weight management.
Wegovy is not available in Australia, but the company promises to "upgrade" its staff if adopted.
The TGA has not approved the use of Ozempic for purposes other than diabetes and Wegovy is not approved for use in Australia.
"Let's be one step ahead. If you are interested in these products or have any questions, please contact us. Your health is our priority and we are here to support you on your journey," the letter said.
Ozempic caused controversy because people were using it for weight loss, leading to an increase in demand for the drug in 2023, leading to shortages across the country.
In June this year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia's regulator, said it would continue to ask healthcare providers to limit the prescribing of Ozempic to people with diabetes.
“Use will be limited to TGA registered type 2 diabetes by the end of December 2023.”
Sylvia Thiet, CEO of Conversion Digital, told news.com.au that while the letter was clearly about weight loss, it was not intended to go against TGA guidelines.
“Our goal is not to advertise weight loss products in violation of these rules. Rather, we try to educate our employees about different health and wellness options,” he said. declared.
Titus said the company always “encourages” employees to consult with their health care providers before starting a new treatment regimen.
"We are in no way trying to change or ignore the opinion of doctors. We believe in the importance of making an informed decision in consultation with medical professionals.
Despite the controversial topic, Titus said employees are not bothered by the emails.
“The feedback has been very positive and there have been no negative comments or concerns,” he said.
He said no complaints had been received and instead he was responding to questions from affected employees.
“In addition to requests for payment, some employees are looking for more information about the drug and we have directed that to doctors,” Titus said.
“Other staff members asked if he was available for family members; one of them wanted it for her dog. A set of common and rare requirements.
In fact, according to him, “two employees” of the company have already accepted the offer.
Clayton Cross, head of strategy at Conversion Digital, said he believed Ozempic was a "megatrend" and that customers in Europe and America were benefiting from the drug.
"We have customers abroad and they like to eat mussels, lose weight, enjoy life, have more sex. It's quite rare," he said.
Cross said the offer to pay for the drug was a “win” for both the company and employees.
“It shows the level of care you have for your staff and helps attract and retain staff,” he told news.com.au.
Charlie Beer, a digital strategist who has been with the company for more than four years, said Ozempich's letter was a sign of "responsibility" from the company's employees.
Ms Beer said she had been well received and no one had raised concerns.
“Everyone was happy and my colleagues were happy,” he told news.com.au.
Ms Beer said she believed the offer came from an “authentic” place and reflected her modern workplace.
“An employer must prioritize your health and well-being. Bringing in a dollar isn’t the same thing, and it shows they care. »
