The ‘last mile’ in healthcare isn’t really amenable to any technological cost reduction, especially for the most serious (and costly) illnesses. Any practising

The ‘last mile’ in healthcare isn’t really amenable to any technological cost reduction, especially for the most serious (and costly) illnesses. Any practising healthcare professional can tell you that. We are talking about actually seeing patients, trying to deal with their numerous problems across physical, mental and social spheres, supporting and advocating for them and their carers, tailoring treatment and investigation to their needs/preferences/beliefs, and participating in very difficult decisions about limiting treatment when that is appropriate. There is nothing to ‘optimize’ here. Good healthcare requires someone to take responsibility for the wellbeing of a patient.