Telstra buys health software provider

Telstra has ramped up investment in the healthcare sector with its acquisition of the health division of data management and software provider Database Consultants Australia.

Telstra began its push into the healthcare sector in May when - in league with Seven West Media - it invested $10.4 million in online health directory HealthEngine.

The telco followed up earlier this month with an undisclosed investment in electronic health record specialist IP Health. 

Telstra announced today it would acquire DCA's health division and employ its 60-odd workers. A spokesman for the telco declined to reveal the price of the acquisition due to commercial sensitivity. Industry sources placed the buy at around $40 million. 

Telstra similarly declined to detail how the business unit would be merged into the telco, but said it would update the market on its health strategy on its investor day in October. 

Telstra head of Health Shane Solomon said the acquisition was an important foundation for the telco’s new Health unit. 

“It will enable Telstra to play a significant role in care co-ordination for people receiving health care at home, improve connectivity of health services through its national Health Service Directory, and ensure the secure transfer of confidential patient information between hospitals, doctors and other community health service providers,” he said in a statement. 

DCA’s Health division offers community care software, secure messaging software and health directory database development and support services.