The healthcare system has a historic opportunity to leverage the potential for innovation offered by the explosion in world connectivity and the new digital information and communication technologies. These technologies enable the remote provision of medical services that previously could only be delivered in-person. Additionally, the new delivery channels (teleconsultations, remote chronic disease management and population management, and tools for self-care) will be enhanced through the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence Big Data, the Internet of Things and cloud computing.

Remote healthcare delivery, as a complement of traditional channels, may significantly increase the accessibility, efficacy and efficiency of both public and private health systems. However, for the potential of digital health to be fully realized, the health sector needs to overcome the inertia and resistance to innovation in its organization and delivery formats that has shown in past decades.