Connecting Innovation to Care

Last week, Johannesburg became the stage for something new: BlueStar’s very first healthcare-focused event in South Africa. Designed as more than just another distributor showcase, this gathering brought together healthcare resellers, ISVs, and solution providers to explore the technologies shaping the future of care delivery.

Our goal? To differentiate ourselves, bring unique value to partners, and open the door to collaborative growth in one of the most dynamic sectors of today’s economy: healthcare.

Why Healthcare. Why Now.

Healthcare in South Africa faces complex challenges—workforce shortages, supply chain pressures, rising patient demand—all while institutions cautiously embrace digital transformation. For resellers, ISVs, and MSPs, this represents both a challenge and a huge opportunity.

That’s where BlueStar comes in. With our VARMED Healthcare Program, we’re not just distributing hardware;  we’re helping partners step confidently into a sector hungry for innovation.

Highlights from the Event

The day was packed with insight, collaboration, and forward-looking conversations. Here are some of the standout moments:

• Zebra Technologies spotlighted how purpose-built healthcare devices deliver what consumer smartphones can’t—secure, reliable, and scalable tools for clinical mobility and patient safety.

• Gijima showcased digital modules that spanned everything from nurse mobility apps to patient portals and e-logistics, illustrating how software transforms real-world workflows.

• iOnline introduced their global connected network, powered by a single SIM card that works across operators—an innovation resonating with providers seeking reliable, always-on connectivity.

• VARMED Pillars in Action—experience, education, and exposure—were highlighted as the backbone of how BlueStar helps partners grow in healthcare.

And the feedback said it all:

“We’re happy to have BlueStar in South Africa because of your quality of service, level of stock, and reliability.”

Local Presence, Global Vision

A big part of the event’s success came from the BlueStar Johannesburg sales team, who carefully curated the experience from venue and guest list to giveaways that hit the right healthcare note.

With guidance from Thomas Duparque, BlueStar’s EMEA Healthcare Leader, our South African partners were able to see best practices from across the globe and connect them to local opportunities.

The message was clear: having BlueStar’s local presence gives resellers a competitive edge, faster engagement, and stronger trust with customers in the region.

Why VARMED Matters for Resellers

For those new to the program, VARMED is the only distributor-led healthcare initiative built exclusively for resellers. Think of it as your consulting partner in the channel:

• Experience: Tailored growth strategies, event participation, and sales enablement.

• Education: Ongoing training, trend insights, and solution-specific knowledge.

• Exposure: Visibility through BlueStar’s Demand Lab, ISV introductions, and access to healthcare advisors.

With VARMED, resellers don’t just get products. They gain a path into healthcare markets with the strategy and support to succeed.

What’s Next?

This Johannesburg event was just the beginning. Looking ahead, BlueStar will continue building momentum with:

• Targeted events in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal.

• Dedicated healthcare demo stock for hands-on proof-of-concepts.

• Ongoing collaboration with Zebra and ISV partners to bring real-world case studies to the South African market.

And beyond South Africa, our vision is even bigger: throughout EMEA, BlueStar will host VARMED Healthcare Summits and networking moments designed to connect resellers, ISVs, and solution providers. These gatherings will raise the level of collaboration across the region, building stronger communities around innovation in healthcare.

Final Word

The Johannesburg healthcare event showed what’s possible when hardware, software, and distribution come together with a single purpose: connecting innovation to care.

And this is only the start. With local initiatives in South Africa and upcoming VARMED Healthcare Summits across EMEA, BlueStar is committed to giving our partners more opportunities to learn, network, and grow.

👉 If you’re a reseller, ISV, or MSP ready to explore opportunities in healthcare, now is the time. Learn More about VARMED