Previously, the assistant was only available through One Medical, the primary care provider Amazon acquired for $3.9 billion in 2023.

With the expansion, customers can now access Health AI through the Amazon platform without needing to be Prime subscribers or One Medical members.

Health AI is designed to answer general health questions, explain medical records, help manage prescription renewals and schedule appointments. The tool can also connect users to healthcare professionals when medical attention is required.

According to Amazon, the AI assistant can respond to general health queries even without access to personal medical information.

However, with a user’s permission, the system can retrieve health data through the Health Information Exchange, a nationwide network that securely shares patient medical records.

This allows Health AI to interpret lab results, diagnoses and other medical records to provide more personalised responses about symptoms or medications.

Users can interact with the assistant by typing questions on Amazon’s website or in the app. For example, they may ask the system to explain cholesterol test results or seek advice on symptoms such as congestion or sore throat.

The company said all interactions with Health AI take place in a HIPAA-compliant environment, with conversations protected by encryption and strict access controls. Amazon added that its AI models are trained using abstracted patterns rather than identifiable patient data.

For instance, if many users ask about medication interactions, the company may analyse those patterns to improve responses while keeping personal information private.

Still, researchers have pointed to the risk of sharing sensitive health information with AI systems, warning that some companies use user conversations to train their models.

Health AI can also connect users with providers at One Medical if professional care is needed. In the United States, Prime members using the service are eligible for up to five free direct-message consultations with a One Medical provider for more than 30 common conditions such as cold and flu, allergies, acid reflux and urinary tract infections. Non-Prime users can still consult providers through Amazon’s pay-per-visit option.

The expansion comes as several artificial intelligence companies move further into healthcare. OpenAI recently introduced a health-focused version of ChatGPT designed to answer medical questions, while Anthropic launched a healthcare-oriented version of its Claude chatbot.

Amazon Pharmacy adds caregiver support and expands PillPack access

Alongside the Health AI rollout, Amazon also announced two updates to Amazon Pharmacy aimed at simplifying how customers manage medications.

The first update introduces a caregiver feature that allows trusted individuals to manage prescriptions for family members or loved ones through their own Amazon Pharmacy accounts. Once verified, caregivers can place orders, manage medications and track deliveries on behalf of the patient.

Amazon said the feature addresses a growing need for support among caregivers. Data from AARP shows that about one in five adults in the United States, around 53 million people, care for an ageing family member, usually spending lots of time coordinating healthcare and medications.

Through the new feature, customers can invite caregivers by sending a secure SMS link from their Amazon Pharmacy account. After confirming details such as the patient’s date of birth, caregivers can begin managing prescriptions online.

The company also expanded access to PillPack from Amazon Pharmacy, a service that delivers medications in pre-sorted packets organised by date and time. The system is designed for patients who take multiple prescriptions daily, helping them avoid managing several pill bottles.

With the update, more than 50 million beneficiaries of Medicare Part D can now use their insurance to access the PillPack service. Customers enrolled in the program receive monthly deliveries of personalised medication packets and can track shipments through the Amazon app.

Amazon Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D nationwide and Medicaid in selected states. The company also offers additional discounts and delivery benefits for Prime members, including free same-day medication delivery in some U.S. cities.

But as virtual consultations grow, so does the volume of sensitive patient data they generate, exposing a new and urgent threat: cyberattacks.

“From health records and test results to treatment plans, this data is extremely valuable—and incredibly attractive to cybercriminals,” warns Allan Juma, cybersecurity engineer at ESET East Africa. “To protect the future of telehealth, providers must not only deploy advanced cybersecurity tools, but also invest in educating both patients and practitioners about digital safety.”

A Complex Web of Connectivity, and Vulnerability

Telehealth systems rarely operate in isolation. To deliver accurate, efficient care, they are often deeply integrated with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), patient management systems, hospital infrastructure, and third-party vendors.

While this interconnectedness boosts care delivery, it also creates a more complex, and fragile, cybersecurity landscape.

“One weak link in this chain, a compromised device, an insecure home network, or an outdated vendor system, can be exploited and lead to a major breach,” says Juma.

This is where a zero-trust security model becomes essential.

Zero Trust: The “Never Trust, Always Verify” Mantra

Unlike traditional security models that assume internal systems are safe, zero trust assumes that no user or device is inherently trustworthy.

Every access request, whether from a healthcare provider, an administrator, or a patient, is verified using stringent safeguards like multi-factor authentication and role-based access control.

“Imagine dividing your telehealth network into tightly guarded compartments,” Juma explains. “Even if one area is compromised, the intruder can’t freely move across the system. This reduces the potential damage from any breach.”

People: The Weakest (and Most Targeted) Link

While robust security architecture can help prevent technical breaches, human error remains a persistent risk. The trust-based nature of healthcare interactions makes both patients and professionals prime targets for phishing and social engineering attacks.

“Cybercriminals often disguise themselves as doctors or health institutions, sending fake emails or messages to trick users into clicking malicious links or sharing personal details,” Juma cautions. “In a telehealth environment, such disruptions can delay treatment, or worse, put lives at risk.”

Building a Culture of Digital Hygiene

The solution, Juma insists, is not only technical but also educational. Regular cybersecurity training for healthcare staff, and simplified safety guidelines for patients, can significantly reduce the risk of breaches. From recognising phishing attempts to securing personal devices, awareness is the first line of defense

Telehealth has opened the doors of healthcare access for millions across Africa. But to ensure this progress isn’t undone by cyber threats, providers must act now, securing systems, safeguarding data, and building digital trust.

Because in the digital age, saving lives also means protecting the networks that make care possible.

In this piece, we will explore some of the recent healthcare innovations that are revolutionizing the industry.

1. Telehealth 

Telehealth has been a game-changer in the healthcare industry, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With telehealth, healthcare providers can offer medical consultations, evaluations, and follow-up visits through video conferencing, phone calls, or other remote communication technologies. Telehealth offers numerous benefits, including convenience, access to care, and cost savings. 

Patients can receive medical care from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for travel and reducing the risk of exposure to contagious diseases. Telehealth has also been used to provide mental health services, which have become increasingly important during the pandemic and offers opportunities to improve access to care for people who live in remote or underserved areas.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI) 

AI has been used in healthcare to analyze large amounts of data, detect patterns, and make predictions. AI algorithms can help physicians with disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans. For example, AI-powered tools can analyze medical images and detect signs of diseases early on, enabling physicians to intervene before the disease progresses. AI can also help providers identify patients who are at risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and develop preventive measures.

It has the potential to transform healthcare in many ways, from improving diagnostics to automating routine tasks. Machine learning algorithms which are used to analyze large amounts of data can identify patterns and make predictions, while natural language processing can help healthcare providers better understand and respond to patient needs.

3. Robotics 

Robotic technology has been used in healthcare for many years, primarily in surgical procedures. Robotic surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, including less blood loss, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times. Robotic technology has also been used in physical therapy and rehabilitation, helping patients with mobility issues improve their movement and coordination. Additionally, robots can be used to deliver medications, monitor patient vital signs, and perform routine tasks, such as taking blood samples.

4. 3D printing 

3D printing has been used in healthcare to create customized medical devices, prosthetics, and implants. With 3D printing, healthcare providers can create patient-specific models of organs, bones, and other body parts, enabling them to plan and practice surgical procedures before performing them. 3D printing has also been used to create patient-specific implants, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.

5. Virtual reality (VR) 

VR technology has been used in healthcare to treat conditions such as anxiety, phobias, and chronic pain. VR provides an immersive experience that can distract patients from pain and anxiety, allowing them to focus on something else. VR has also been used to simulate surgical procedures, enabling physicians to practice and improve their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Virtual reality is being used in healthcare for a variety of purposes, including pain management, medical training, and therapy. This technology can help patients better understand their medical conditions and treatments, and can provide immersive experiences that improve engagement and outcomes.

6. Blockchain: 

Blockchain technology is being used to improve data security and privacy in healthcare, as well as to enable secure and efficient sharing of medical data between providers.

7. Precision medicine: 

Precision medicine is an approach that takes into account an individual’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle when developing treatment plans. This personalized approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

8. Robotics

Robotics has been revolutionizing the healthcare industry in recent years. It involves the use of machines to perform tasks that were previously done by humans. Robotic technology has been used in surgeries, where it provides greater precision and reduces the risk of human error. It has also been used in the development of prosthetics, which have greatly improved the quality of life for amputees.

9. Medical Wearables

Medical wearables are devices that patients can wear to monitor their health and wellbeing. They include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring devices. These wearables can track a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and even sleep patterns. They provide physicians with real-time data that can be used to develop personalized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.

10. Gene editing

Gene editing is an innovative therapy that allows healthcare professionals to modify a patient’s genetic material to treat or prevent disease. Gene editing can be used to correct genetic defects that cause disease, as well as to enhance the body’s ability to fight off illness.

Conclusion 

Innovations in healthcare are transforming the industry, improving patient care, and saving lives. Telehealth, AI, robotics, 3D printing, and VR among others are just a few examples of the recent healthcare innovations that are changing the way we think about healthcare.

These technologies offer numerous benefits, including improved access to care, faster and more accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and better patient outcomes. As healthcare continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more impressive innovations that will make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.