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                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Cardinal Health, Inc. on Form S-8 filed as Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 333-56655 on Form S-4 of our report dated August 12,
1997, except for Note 16 as to which the date is August 23, 1997 and Note 17 as
to which the date is December 30, 1997 (which report expresses an unqualified
opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the restatement
described in Note 17), appearing in the Annual Report of Form 10-K/A of Cardinal
Health, Inc. for the year ended June 30, 1997.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Columbus, Ohio
August 10, 1998