VANCOUVER, British Columbia and LONDON, Sept. 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELUS Health, a Canadian organization committed to driving healthcare efficiencies and enhanced
patient experiences through the use of advanced technology; and Babylon, one of the world’s leading digital health companies, have come together to provide
doctors and patients in Canada with access to virtual healthcare technology solutions and services. The partnership aims to support
continuity of care by delivering more options to Canadians for accessing quality healthcare and communicating more efficiently with
healthcare practitioners from anywhere, at any time.
The service will complement existing healthcare services across the country for people in rural areas or living with mobility
issues, those who are unable to access non-emergency healthcare on evenings, weekends or holidays, and for the five
million Canadians who do not have a family physician.
A recent study by the Canadian Medical Association, found that three out of four Canadians (75 per
cent) believe that new technologies could solve existing issues in our healthcare system. Further, seven in 10
Canadians would take advantage of virtual physician visits and many believe that it would lead to more timely and convenient care.
“At TELUS Health, we leverage the power of technology to deliver better health outcomes, empowering Canadians with the right tools,
information and support they need to live healthier and happier lives. Our partnership with Babylon, through a globally-leading
virtual care solution, will enable consumers to get access to healthcare anywhere and anytime they need it,” said Juggy Sihota,
vice president, TELUS Health. “Together, we are not only helping to improve the options Canadians have for accessing healthcare,
but also providing them with a digital tool that makes communicating with healthcare professionals more efficient.”
Both organizations are committed to delivering the most trusted and reliable service to Canadians with all patient data being
stored in Canada. Work is also underway to establish an advisory council of medical professionals to provide guidance into the roll
out of this innovative service, and ministries of health across the country will also be engaged for their input.
Babylon’s suite of digital solutions is currently being used by approximately three million direct members outside of Canada and
is accessible to tens of millions more through the organization’s worldwide partnerships. The virtual care technology will be made
available to Canadians via a version of the mobile app developed specifically for Canada. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI),
the app will include an easy-to-use, chat-style symptom checker that patients can use to better understand their symptoms or
healthcare concerns. This highly intuitive and accurate interface can also be used to have a video consultation with a licensed
Canadian healthcare provider.
“Canada is building a reputation worldwide for innovation and desires to be at the cutting-edge of development,” said Dr. Ali
Parsa, Babylon’s Founder & CEO. “TELUS’ consumer-centric approach coupled with its success in creating a more connected healthcare
ecosystem through the use of innovative digital health technology solutions makes them the perfect partner for Babylon as we begin
to serve this great country. Together, we will build on the brilliant work that Canada’s federal and provincial governments,
departments of health and clinicians are doing to tackle issues of primary care access and affordability. Babylon’s mission is to
put accessible and affordable healthcare services into the hands of every person on earth and entering the Canadian market is an
exciting step for us. We look forward to extending our services to all Canadians via this game-changing announcement with
TELUS.”
The TELUS-Babylon service in Canada will be made available in English at launch with French to follow in 2019. More details will
be announced later this year, including information regarding its staggered rollout across the country.
About Babylon
Babylon’s Mission is to put an accessible and affordable health service in the hands of every person on Earth. Babylon uses a
combination of cutting-edge technology and the best available medical expertise to deliver 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week access to
digital health tools (including health assessment, triage and medical information tools), to people across Europe, North America,
Asia, the Middle East and Africa, as well as video doctor consultations.
For more information, please visit: www.babylonhealth.com.
About TELUS Health and Payment Solutions
TELUS Health is a leader in home health monitoring, electronic medical and health records, as well as consumer health, benefits
management and pharmacy management solutions. TELUS Health leverages the power of technology to enable better health outcomes for
Canadians with innovative digital solutions that enable collaboration, efficiency and productivity for physicians, pharmacists,
health authorities, allied health care professionals, insurers, employers and citizens. TELUS Payment Solutions complements our
health solutions by delivering secure, industry-compliant payment and lending solutions that connect lenders, payors, insurers,
extended health care providers and financial institutions to their customers across Canada.
For more information please visit: www.telushealth.com and www.telus.com/payment-solutions.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jill Yetman
Senior Communications Manager
TELUS Social and Media Relations
416-992-2639
jill.yetman@telus.com
Michael Herrmann
Global Public Relations Director
Babylon
+44 (0) 7792 692 945
michael.herrmann@babylonhealth.com