Telus Health’s $250M E-Prescription Service to Shut Down
In a significant development for Canada’s healthcare technology landscape, the federal e-prescribing service known as PrescribeIT is set to shut down. This program, created in collaboration with Telus Health, aimed to modernize prescription transmission by replacing outdated fax methods with secure digital technologies.
Background on PrescribeIT
Launched in 2017 by Canada Health Infoway, PrescribeIT was part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare efficiency by promoting electronic tools. Despite being available in eight provinces and territories and undergoing trials in Quebec, the adoption of this service has remained disappointingly low.
Investment and Implementation
- Total investment in PrescribeIT has surpassed $250 million.
- Annual operating costs averaged about $35 million in recent years.
- Thousands of pharmacies, including major chains like Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart, signed up for the service.
However, reports indicate that less than 5% of prescriptions in Canada are sent electronically, highlighting a significant gap in usage.
Cancellation of the Program
In mid-2026, PrescribeIT is expected to cease operations. Canada Health Infoway, a government-funded non-profit, has begun notifying stakeholders about the cancellation. Sources indicated that the program was set to continue under a new private partner, but the abrupt decision to terminate it has left many in the healthcare field puzzled.
Statements from Telus Health
Telus Health confirmed they received notice regarding the termination of the service. The company previously indicated that the integration of digital prescriptions must be prioritized to reduce errors and enhance efficiency in pharmacies.
Future of E-Prescribing in Canada
The cancellation of PrescribeIT raises questions about the future of electronic prescribing in Canada. Glen Doucet, CEO of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, emphasized the need for incentives to encourage adoption of similar technologies. He hopes future initiatives will focus on support rather than penalties.
Ongoing Efforts for Digital Health Integration
While PrescribeIT may be ending, the federal government is actively pursuing legislation to enhance health data sharing requirements across Canada. This new direction aims to establish national standards in healthcare technology and foster better electronic prescription usage, which, according to Doucet, could render fax machines obsolete in the near future.
As the landscape shifts, stakeholders will need to adapt and collaborate towards more effective solutions for electronic prescription services in Canada.
