Well Health Expands with Acquisition of 10 Primary Care Medical Clinics from Shoppers Drug Mart

Vancouver-based digital healthcare company Well Health Technologies has expanded its footprint by acquiring 10 primary-care medical clinics across British Columbia (BC) and Ontario from Loblaw-owned Shoppers Drug Mart.

Well Health’s strategic move, executed through its subsidiary, the Well Health Clinic Network, entails acquiring all primary care medical clinics operated by Shoppers Drug Mart under The Health Clinic by Shoppers banner. This acquisition encompasses clinics across British Columbia and Ontario, comprising a total of 35 physicians spread across four locations in BC and six in Ontario. As part of the transition, these clinics will be rebranded under the Well Clinic name, aligning them with Well Health’s overarching brand identity and commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services.

Well Health is optimistic about the financial impact of integrating the newly acquired clinics into its network, projecting an approximate $8 million increase in annual revenue. Additionally, the company plans to bolster the staffing at these clinics by bringing on board additional physicians. Despite the undisclosed financial terms of the deal, Dr. Michael Frankel, Well Health’s chief medical officer and president of Canadian clinics, conveyed his enthusiasm for welcoming the clinical and medical teams from the acquired clinics. He emphasized the company’s unwavering dedication to ensuring optimal patient outcomes at these locations, underscoring Well Health’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services across its expanded network.

Established in 2012 by chairman and CEO Hamed Shahbazi, Well Health specializes in providing an end-to-end platform for healthcare providers, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions including electronic medical records, practice management, billing, revenue cycle management, and data-protection tools. Trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Well Health boasts a customer base of over 34,000 healthcare providers across the United States and Canada. The company claims ownership and operation of the “largest healthcare ecosystem in Canada,” with a portfolio encompassing more than 165 clinics.

Well Health’s growth trajectory has been fueled by an aggressive acquisition strategy, resulting in record revenues and profits in 2021. Notable partnerships, such as the one with MCI OneHealth (now Healwell AI), have further strengthened its position in the market. Following the acquisition of five primary care clinics from Healwell AI in May 2023, Well Health entered into a partnership whereby Healwell AI’s diagnostic software was white-labelled as WELL AI Decision Support and distributed through Well Health’s clinic marketplace. Additionally, Hamed Shahbazi assumed the role of chairman of the board at Healwell AI in February.

Well Health’s strategic initiative to integrate the newly acquired clinics into its ecosystem highlights the company’s commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through innovation and expansion. This integration will be facilitated through Well Health’s clinic absorption program, which aims to optimize cost structures and seamlessly integrate digital workflows, patient engagement technologies, and AI offerings such as AI Voice, AI Inbox Admin, and AI Decision Support.

By harnessing advanced technologies and refining operational processes, Well Health endeavors to elevate patient care experiences and streamline efficiency throughout its network of clinics. This strategic approach underscores Well Health’s dedication to leveraging innovation to optimize healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients across its expanding network.