Telstra becomes “major investor” in pharmacy IT specialists Fred.
The Pharmacy Guild has just confirmed an investment by Telstra Health in the Fred IT Group, with the “strategic partnership” set to position Fred to “continue to invest strongly in eHealth and IT solutions”.
Telstra Head of Health, Shane Solomon, said the deal was part of Telstra’s ongoing focus on building capability in the health sector.
“Community pharmacies play a vital role in providing services and advice to millions of Australians and Fred IT Group is at the leading edge of companies offering eHealth solutions to the community, GPs and pharmacists,” Solomon said.
The Guild retains a significant investment in Fred, which was launched with just two people in 1993 and now has a team of 200 staff. The business will continue to be led by Paul Naismith who said “Fred’s products, services and support to pharmacy will continue to be delivered by the same passionate team with the same focus on finding the most efficient, competitive solutions for pharmacy”.
Guild President Kos Sclavos said the new investment “means that we can explore national opportunities where pharmacists have a role, with other key health professionals, in improving health throughout the community”.
More information in tomorrow’s Pharmacy Daily.
