Tony Holohan takes up role with medical testing company

Former CMO will chair the medical advisory board of Tipperary-based Enfer Medical

Former chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan. Photograph: Collins
Former chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan. Photograph: Collins

The former chief medical officer Tony Holohan has taken up a role with the major Irish medical diagnostics company.

Mr Holohan stepped down from his role in July 2022 after leading the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic as chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).

He originally planned to take up a position as professor of public health strategy and leadership in Trinity College Dublin, but following controversy surrounding the salary, opted not to take up the role.

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On Wednesday, Tipperary-based company Enfer Medical announced Mr Holohan will become chair of its medical advisory board. It is understood this will be a part-time role.

The company said in a statement the board “supports the company in delivering its vision to provide transformative laboratory services which enhance personalised and population health for healthcare providers and their patients.”

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The board also contains other medical consultants working in the Irish healthcare system.

Enfer, which is controlled by businessman Louis Ronan, was one of the primary providers of Covid-19 testing to the HSE during the pandemic. In 2020 it received €122.4 million to provide testing.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times, currently working in The Irish Times Investigations Unit