Virgin will be installing a telemedicine device call the Tempus on all of its planes. The device can take a person's vitals and relay them to a doctor on the ground who will then supply a diagnosis. While the folks on the plane probably won't be able to take out a gall-bladder, they may be able to tell when they have to make an emergency landing or whether it's just the chicken backing up. It's believed, but not confirmed, that U.S.-based airlines will offer the service as a first class perk and charge $5 per use, $10 for serious illness.
Virgin Atlantic Introduces Life-Saving Technology Onboard [EuropeTravelNews via MedGadget]