Blockchain technology is an emerging innovation poised to revolutionise the digital landscape in African countries, particularly in areas with limited resources. While blockchain has seen early adoption in various sectors across the continent, its integration into the healthcare sector is still in its infancy.
Blockchain bolsters healthcare data security and supports the secure transfer of patient medical records between hospitals, and can be applied in managing the pharmaceutical supply chain. Additionally, blockchain can play a critical role in preventing the circulation of counterfeit drugs and addressing unlawful tax evasion schemes within the healthcare system.
Applications of Blockchain in Healthcare
As African nations increasingly adopt digital technologies, the healthcare sector has witnessed a surge in electronic patient records. However, this growth brings new challenges, and there is need for robust data protection, secure sharing of medical information across healthcare facilities, and protecting data integrity. Healthcare systems in Africa often suffer from fragmentation and a lack of systems interoperability, leading to difficulties in sharing patient data across facilities. Blockchain technology offers a solution to these challenges by enabling secure, seamless sharing of patient information, leading to better coordination of care. Other benefits of using blockchain for healthcare in African countries include the following:
- Secure patient record management: Blockchain ensures secure and interoperable data sharing across healthcare providers, improving the management of patient health records.
- Pharmaceutical supply chain: By tracking the entire supply chain of drugs from manufacturers to patients, blockchain ensures transparency and reduces the risk of counterfeit medicines entering the market.
- Telemedicine and payment systems: Blockchain supports telemedicine platforms by securely storing patient data and facilitating transparent, traceable payment transactions.
- Health insurance: Blockchain streamlines health insurance processes by automating claims processing, reducing administrative costs, and minimising fraud.
Blockchain can also help reduce costs in healthcare, enhance security by eliminating single points of failure, and achieve greater transparency.
Examples of Practical Application of Blockchain Technology in Africa
- MediLedger in South Africa: It enhances medical record management and healthcare service delivery through secure blockchain storage.
- AID:Tech in Uganda: Uses blockchain in refugee camps to improve healthcare access and ensure transparent medical aid distribution.
- Medici Land Governance in Zambia: Implements blockchain to securely store and manage patient data, improving healthcare quality.
- IBM in Nigeria: Pilots blockchain projects to track the supply chain of medicines and vaccines, ensuring transparency and reducing counterfeit risks.
- VeChain in South Africa: Verifies the authenticity of pharmaceutical products through blockchain, combating counterfeit medicines.
Recommendations for Scaling up the Adoption of Blockchain in Africa
Africa's potential for technology transfer is vast. However, to maximise the impact of blockchain innovation in healthcare, African countries must address the challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. Policymakers should address challenges such as funding, and put in place the right infrastructure, supportive policies and guidelines, and measures to protect intellectual property.