Hypothesis: Self Healthcare

In an increasingly mobile world, with truly global citizens, healthcare is becoming a primary concern, wherever anyone happens to be from the rainforests of Brazil to the buzzing streets of Bangkok. We are sensitive to the dangers of SARS, hepatitis, and even smog or biological weapons. People want to detect the health level of their environment to act preventively, as well as measure their personal physical well being so as to respond quickly. People measure their blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar commonly today. Tomorrow this will extend to micro organisms and chemicals. And consumers will be educated and empowered to provide self-care.

Mobile healthcare bears substantial chances for the mobile industry in partnership with the healthcare and insurance industries and even governmental institutions to provide accurate environmental and personal health information as well as treatment options, enabling consumers to care for themselves more effectively. This will include access to simple self-healthcare treatments, medical records and health insurance services regardless of their location. More mobile travellers and workers need the health safety and security they are accustomed to in their home neighborhoods, and will pay premiums for that service. (And so might the airline and hotel industries to get average people flying again!)