The Warehouse Group has taken a step into the healthcare business, buying up a stake in local start-up Zoom Health, owner of Zoom Pharmacy.

Zoom Pharmacy is a direct-to-consumer service designed to address high levels of non-adherence when it comes to medicine, particularly for Kiwis will poor access to primary care services, and is one of the largest independent pharmacies operating in New Zealand.

The partnership will provide the business the opportunity to bring an advanced, affordable healthcare solution to potentially millions of Kiwis, according to Zoom Health managing director David Taylor, who said the two businesses share a vision of improving access to affordable healthcare around the country.

“We know that around half a million New Zealanders are not currently enrolled with a GP,” Taylor said.

“Many more Kiwis may be enrolled by have poor access to GP and traditional pharmacy services. The reality is that healthcare has been failing many in New Zealand for years.”

The investment will go toward improving the business’ infrastructure, software development and a greater investment in people.