Microsoft Corp. and Walgreens Boots Alliance have joined forces to develop new healthcare delivery models, technology and retail innovations to advance and improve the future of healthcare.
The companies will combine the power of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s cloud and AI platform, health care investments and new retail solutions with Walgreens Boots Alliance’s customer reach, convenient locations, outpatient healthcare services and industry expertise. These companies hope to make healthcare delivery more personal, affordable and accessible for people around the world.
“Improving health outcomes while lowering the cost of care is a complex challenge that requires broad collaboration and strong partnership between the health care and tech industries,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Together with Walgreens Boots Alliance, we aim to deliver on this promise by putting people at the center of their health and wellness, combining the power of the Azure cloud and AI technology and Microsoft 365 with Walgreens Boots Alliance’s deep expertise and commitment to helping communities around the world lead healthier and happier lives.”
Some of the current healthcare systems are a complex combination of public- and private-sector organizations, providers, payors, pharmaceutical companies and other adjacent players. However, there has been innovation in some healthcare. There is both a need and an opportunity to fully integrate the system. This will ultimately make healthcare more convenient to people through data-driven insights. This is the mission of Walgreens Boots Alliance and Microsoft.
Because of this strategic partnership, the companies will deliver innovative platforms that enable next-generation health networks, integrated digital-physical experiences and care management solutions.
“Our strategic partnership with Microsoft demonstrates our strong commitment to creating integrated, next-generation, digitally enabled health care delivery solutions for our customers, transforming our stores into modern neighborhood health destinations and expanding customer offerings,” said Stefano Pessina, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “WBA will work with Microsoft to harness the information that exists between payors and health care providers to leverage, in the interest of patients and with their consent, our extraordinary network of accessible and convenient locations to deliver new innovations, greater value and better health outcomes in health care systems across the world.”
The companies will focus on connecting Walgreens Boots Alliance stores and health information systems to people wherever they are through their digital devices. This will allow customers to access healthcare services, such as virtual care when, where and how they need to receive this type of care.
Chrissie Cluney has been a correspondent for IoT Evolution World since 2015. She holds a degree in English with a concentration in writing from the College of Saint Elizabeth.Edited by
Ken Briodagh
