Concerns over future of NHS app partner Babylon Health
The business’s GP at Hand service had 100,000 patients in 2021.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Online healthcare business Babylon Health is fighting for its future as it tries to find enough cash to keep its UK arm going until it can find a buyer.
It said the UK part of the business is still “successful” and “sustainable”, but warned that it might have to be put into administration if a solution cannot be found.
Babylon’s GP at Hand service, which is funded by the NHS, became the first general practitioner in the UK to get a list of more than 100,000 patients in August 2021.
But the digital-first service was criticised for being overwhelmingly used by younger, and therefore likely fitter, patients.
The group is pursuing the divestiture of its UK business to third parties that may provide financing to assure the continuity of the operations
Babylon Holdings is struggling.
The US-listed business said on Monday that the hopes of combining one of its subsidiaries with fellow healthcare company MindMaze had fallen through.
The proposal “will not proceed”, it said.
But Babylon was still hopeful about finding a buyer for its UK arm, it said.
“The group is exploring new strategic alternatives in order to find the best possible outcome for its UK business,” it said.
“Babylon remains focused on continuing the day-to-day operations of its UK business, providing accessibility of its healthcare services and the highest standards of care for its patients and members.
“The group is pursuing the divestiture of its UK business to third parties that may provide financing to assure the continuity of the operations.
“Babylon has built a successful, distinct and sustainable UK business which provides high-quality healthcare to many.
“However, it cannot provide assurance that any of these initiatives will result in Babylon entering into a definitive agreement for or completing a divestiture.”