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The company says it has become the leading provider of digital technology used by patients, doctors and pharmacies across Canada. Blair said Telus Health expects to eventually to expand the reach of Medisys programs and services to more consumers.

“When you look south of the border, you see American tech giants moving into this space … so together with Telus and Medisys, our intention is to create a Canadian health tech champion that can be an alternate to the American tech giants,” Blair said.

Telus, he said, will work with health-care professionals and government bodies to ensure its products safely store personal health records on Canadian soil.

Asked why Telus would go into the bricks and mortar medical clinic business rather than just trying to sell digital products in the sector, he said: “Good question. At the end of the day, high-tech solutions need to be complemented by health professionals, so with the Medisys team, we have 800, particularly doctors and nurses, who can help patients on their health journey.”

Blair said the deal — which closed a few weeks ago but was announced on Friday — allows Telus to expand its relationship with the two million employees of the 4,500 companies that use Medisys.

Medisys was using some Telus products, Blair said, but nowhere near the full array.

Paul Lepage, president of Telus Health told employees this in a statement:

“At Medisys clinics across Canada, we’ll deliver employee-centred care, backed by Telus’ world-leading broadband networks and supported by digital tools such as patient portals, virtual care, wellness and mental health applications, electronic prescribing, electronic benefits claims and secure messaging. Every clinic will be outfitted with the full suite of Telus Health solutions.”