#BizTrends2021: Healthcare innovations to look out for

Moshe Lichtenstein,CEO and founder, One8Innovation

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Innovation Group (WHIG), which is mandated with endorsing and pursuing health innovation within the organisation, says: “Health innovation is to develop new or improved health policies, systems, products and technologies, and services and delivery methods that improve people’s health, with a special focus on the needs of vulnerable populations."

Covid-19

According to an article published by McKinsey & Company in November 2020, there are two key healthcare innovations to look out for in treating Covid-19:

1. A digital stethoscope designed by Tyto Care was used by Sheba Medical Centre to deliver the necessary care to patients returning from the coronavirus-stricken cruise ship, Diamond Princess while limiting healthcare workers' exposure to the virus. The device is capable of listening to patients' hearts and displays images of their lungs to a care team that can come to their aid at any given time.
2. In the United States of America, Zipline, a company that delivers medical supplies to remote areas has partnered with Novant Health in North Carolina to dispense supplies to hospitals.
   
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Wound care

In South Africa, ActiGraft heals chronic wounds by using patients’ own blood. The product actively pushes the body to repair non-healing wounds.

While highlighting some of the trends that can be observed in medical technology, it is imperative to acknowledge the factors grossly affecting the healthcare sector, as this fast forwards the adoption of innovative ways for effective patient care. Essentially, enhanced innovation trends need practitioners to be harbingers of a system that is more effective, resourceful and fair.