In East Africa, some of these technologies are already having an impact on the healthcare industry:

1. IoT – The use of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in consumer health applications is already helping people to manage their own healthcare and to keep themselves well through healthier living. We are now seeing good uptake of wearables, where users can track their health indicators and medical conditions as part of their day-to-day affairs. People can now track what they eat and customize work-out programs based on their individual health and environmental conditions.
2. Care Anywhere – Technology is providing the opportunity for new ways of accessing and delivering healthcare, and people are taking more responsibility for their individual health and wellbeing. Citizens are more open to ‘Care Anywhere’ and health services in a non-traditional setting. Healthcare providers, such as insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, emergency responders and home care providers are becoming more and more integrated, making it possible to offer an end-to-end solution to patients. This can ease the burden on a patient when it comes to the cost of service delivery.
3. Health related apps – Kenya leads the East African region for the percentage of adults (80%) who own a mobile phone (or have access to one). Mobile penetration in Kenya is 91%, way above the 80% average for Africa (Source: Business Today). Smartphones are already having a huge impact on how healthcare is delivered globally and this is echoed in our survey. Data obtained from health apps is now used to influence medical decisions such as insurance premiums and health plans, dietary requirements and exercise routines.
4. AI & Robotics – Face-to-face interaction between patients and physicians is very important, yet doctors and physicians spend a considerable amount of time sifting through lab results and other patient-related historical information than actual time with patients. There is already existing technology that can perform these tasks. PwC carried out a survey to ascertain the willingness of patients to engage with AI and robotics as a means of accessing health care service and 54% of respondents indicated that they are willing to do so. The survey showed that there is more willingness in Africa compared to other parts of the world with the leading countries being Nigeria (94%) and South Africa (82%).
5. Block chain – Block chain technology has effectively been used to manage the end to end process of organ donation within the healthcare system where donor details can be kept confidential yet can easily be matched to potential recipients. It has also been used to minimize the distribution of counterfeit drugs.

Customers, patients and private healthcare service providers have experienced the benefits of embracing emerging technologies; including:

• A more patient-centric approach in delivery of private health care
• Healthcare made easier and quicker for more people to access
• Advanced technologies making medical diagnosis faster and more accurate,
• Improved quality of treatment recommendations and
• The experience of having your own healthcare specialist available anywhere at any time.

With all these developments, the costs of technology-based healthcare services continue to be challenging for a large number of potential beneficiaries. Data privacy concerns are also top on the list as a barrier towards embracing digital healthcare (e-health) across the region and indeed globally. Patients and customers are keenly looking forward to experiencing a more affordable and secure e-health system, accessible to everyone.