Telstra Health named APAC Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan. Learn more.
Chief Health & Risk Officer, Dr Monica Trujillo, congratulates winners
Melbourne, Australia | 27 August 2026
The 2026 Patients Choice Awards have highlighted the vital role digital health is playing in creating more connected, accessible and patient-centred care across Australia.
Presented by Patients Australia, the awards celebrated excellence across the healthcare sector, recognising the individuals, teams and organisations making a meaningful difference in the lives of Australians.
As sponsor of the Outstanding Digital Health Service Award, Telstra Health was proud to support the recognition of healthcare organisations and professionals using technology to improve patient experiences and outcomes.
Smilo.ai Wins Outstanding Digital Health Service Award
Congratulations to Smilo.ai Founder and CEO Dr Padmar Gadiyar, winner of the 2026 Outstanding Digital Health Service Award.
Smilo.ai have developed an AI powered oral health screening tool for screening and early detection in aged care and disability services.
The platform demonstrates meaningful patient and community impact by shifting oral healthcare from a reactive, appointment-dependent model to an accessible, preventive digital health solution.
Telstra Health, Chief Health & Risk Officer, Dr Monica Trujillo, said she was honoured to serve on the judging panel to recognise excellence and innovation in digital healthcare.
“Many of the strongest submissions identified known gaps in the patient experience and demonstrated how technology can help bridge them. They recognised that technology can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives by creating more connected and human-centred care experiences.” Dr Trujillo said.
“What stood out throughout the judging process was the focus on solving real challenges experienced by patients and clinicians. The strongest submissions demonstrated how technology can remove barriers, connect information and services, and support better experiences and outcomes.
“These awards recognise the individuals, teams and organisations doing the important work of improving healthcare every day. It was a privilege to help celebrate those making a genuine difference to patients and their families across Australia.”
Telstra Health congratulates Smilo.ai and all finalists for their commitment to improving healthcare through innovation and patient-centred service delivery.
Learn more about the 2026 Patients Choice Awards and this year’s winners.
About Patients Australia
Patients Australia is a national patient-led organisation that advocates for and represents the interests of patients, families and carers. The Patients Australia Awards recognise individuals, teams and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to improving patient experiences and health outcomes across Australia.
About Telstra Health
At Telstra Health, we’re here for life – working alongside governments, clinicians, aged care providers and communities to support better care for all. With a unique footprint across Australia and internationally, we bring deep expertise across digital health and social services.
Our capabilities span national cancer screening, social support programs and secure, integrated software solutions.
By connecting people, providers and systems with near real-time data, AI-powered workflows, and solutions designed with clinical safety in mind, supported by robust cyber and data security, we help enable coordinated care that supports improved health outcomes and empowers individuals to take charge of their wellbeing.
For further information on Telstra Health please contact: communications@health.telstra.com