Since the global pandemic, telemedicine has become an integral part of healthcare with virtual medical appointments accepted as the norm. Usually intended to augment rather than replace physical face-to-face meetings, these appointments are seen as an efficient way to increase access to healthcare, enabling patients to consult clinicians when, where, and how it suits them best. For example, Blua, which is digital health by Bupa, offers people a range of services across virtual consultations, health programs for body and mind, and remote healthcare in 10 markets around the world. In addition to video consultations, these can include vital sign monitoring, digital health check-ups, digital mental health programs, delivery of medicines and more.

Further hi-tech developments to improve healthcare include nanotechnology, which is now widely used in medicine. Smart pills and nanorobots can significantly improve diagnosis. Nanoparticles provide highly targeted delivery of drugs and can prompt the body to make antibodies against a virus. And carbon nanotubes are being used to repair damaged tissues. 3D printing, using biological tissues or polymers, can create fully functioning artificial organs, such as the Total Artificial Heart and the Wearable Artificial Kidney. And advances in 3D printing are bringing the prospect of more affordable prosthetic limbs—bringing hope to the millions of people missing limbs, like champion sprinter Emmanuel.