The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it unprecedented levels of disruption, from lost jobs and canceled vacations to closed schools and an uncertain future, but it’s also creating an unexpected and unexpected silver lining: improved healthcare for millions of people around the world.

Covid care services are helping to fill the gaps in our healthcare infrastructure. Thanks to increased access to telemedicine, millions of people who would otherwise have been unable to receive healthcare have been able to get the care they need. These telemedicine visits are usually free or low cost, meaning those without health insurance don’t have to worry about prohibitively expensive bills.

Other advancements in covid care have made it easier for health providers to handle sudden surges in demand. Many healthcare providers have embraced virtual visits and expanded their use of remote monitoring technologies, making it easier for providers to respond to patient needs without having to be physically present. This has also allowed hospitals to keep their staff safe while also helping protect the public from further spread of the virus.

No one could have predicted the positive impact of covid care, but it’s making our healthcare system faster and more resilient than ever. This newfound level of sophistication and access is something that many people didn’t realize was even possible. And while it’s true that the pandemic is far from over, the advances in covid care are a testament to just how capable the healthcare system is when it’s under pressure.

We’re now starting to see the fruits of these advances in covid care, as millions of people receive better access to crucial healthcare services. Not only are people getting the care they need, but they’re also getting it quicker and with less disruption to their lives. Going forward, this system should serve as a model of what’s possible in healthcare, even and perhaps especially in times of crisis.