Kyivstar – a subsidiary of the Dutch-domiciled, multinational telecom company VEON – is launching a national digital health service in Ukraine as part of the Digital Ukraine strategy with its acquisition of online health care provider Helsi. The service will be made available to all Ukrainians, including refugees out of the country [estimated at 6.4 million] and the estimated 8 million internally displaced citizens.

As of June, Kyivstar has 24.8 million mobile subscribers and over 1.2 million home internet subscribers. The 24-year-old digital operator acquired a controlling stake in Helsi Ukraine, “the country’s largest medical information system and leading digital health care provider,” according to the release.

With over 23 million patients, Helsi offers medical information system SaaS solutions for 1,300 state and private clinics with a 4 million mobile service user base, including over 49,000 doctors throughout Ukraine.

“This partnership will make it possible to provide the patient and doctor with new electronic services faster,” Helsi CEO Yevhen Donets stated. “In the synergy of two Ukrainian projects, we see a social mission – to ensure access to health for all Ukrainians, including those who have been forced to leave their homes.”

The electronic medical system will allow citizens to book Telehealth visits, “receive an online telemedicine consultation, obtain an electronic prescription, and apply for medication remotely,” VEON claims. The service includes the ability to prepare treatment plans, manage patient medical records, and integrate with pharmacies.

Kyivstar says it values the partnership as a chance to scale up online health services on a national level. The “strategic investment” proceeds the company’s push for Ukraine's 4G network build out. Thus far, the 4G access expansion has included 3,500 Ukrainian towns in 19 different rural areas.

According to CEO Alexander Komarov, Kyivstar is looking to further expand the business in the next three years, with a focus on digital ecosystem development including advancing “new products, enhancing critical infrastructure, and creating new jobs.”

“Our digital operator strategy that we implement across all of our subsidiaries globally [centers] around investing in and developing services that improve our customers’ lives, be that through education, health care, fintech, e-commerce or other services,” VEON CEO Kaan Terzioglu stated.

“In Ukraine, health care is an absolute priority, and we are proud to make this vital service available together with Helsi as a part of our commitment to the rebuilding of the country,” he continued.