China has started researching how to use blockchain technology to manage pandemic situations that may arise in the future. This measures became necessary after the recent pandemic, which has prompted the various world governments to start considering more proactive initiatives, such as secure medical records sharing, using blockchain technology.
According to a circular released by China's National Health Commission, data sharing amongst health institutions is very vital in controlling the spread of diseases. Blockchain technology can help in sharing and managing the medical data of patients. Management of patients data has to be done securely, to prevent a breach of privacy.
The commission also reiterated that health institutions, both physical and virtual, should encourage data sharing amongst themselves, such that the whole diagnostic process will be continuous and cohesive, irrespective of the patient's location.
Further information from the circular states that the commission will also look at other strategies that will support the digitization of medical services. This will include online certification of health centres and officials. The electronic certificate will be used on government service platforms, which will reduce manual processing, reduce waiting time and enhance efficiency.
There are several ways that blockchain technology can be used to improve the delivery of medical services. In recent times, this technology has been used in fostering collaboration between parties in clinical trials, improving the efficiency of pharmaceutical supply chains, and biomedical research.
Source: Cointelegraph.
