UAE launches blockchain medical data storage platform to enhance healthcare efficiency

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) of the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the Presidential Office, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), and other relevant healthcare institutions, launched a blockchain-based platform for storing medical data on February 2nd.

The platform MoHAP App was launched following the annual meeting of the UAE government, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of smart healthcare services for MoHAP and other relevant entities, to be used for storing medical data, including private institutions, healthcare providers, drug information, and other related information.

Reportedly, this platform is just part of the plan, in line with the UAE's 2071 Centennial Development Plan and its Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to fully integrate AI into all healthcare services in the future. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Deputy Minister of MoHAP, stated:

In line with the UAE's 2071 Centennial Plan and its AI strategy, the goal is to enhance the capabilities of healthcare services and provide smart healthcare solutions. Transitioning to AI technology is a wise step, enabling the UAE to proactively address future challenges and focus on smart healthcare to become a leading global example.

MoHAP App simplifies access for licensed medical and technical personnel to search for professional knowledge and inquire about any drug's manufacturer, price, approved dosage, and usage. Dr. Lubna Al Shaali, Director of the Public Health Policies Department, highlighted:

The blockchain-based platform will protect data through highly secure, tamper-proof, decentralized, and encrypted databases, ensuring the validity and reliability of data. Using blockchain technology helps improve data and information verification as well as consistency, providing high transparency for the healthcare sector and enhancing public trust.

Taiwan Hospitals Implement Blockchain Medical Records System

In August 2018, Taipei Medical University Hospital launched the "Healthcare Blockchain Platform" to address medical data interoperability and enhance medical efficiency, introducing the "Smart Chain Passport" to record cases. The hospital stated that after patients apply for the Smart Chain Passport, they can access their personal key through a mobile app to obtain complete information at Taipei Medical University Hospital, reducing the time for medical record retrieval. Information between clinics and hospitals for patients can be more transparent, providing more comprehensive two-way graded medical care and shared decision-making abilities.

In 2018, the Ministry of Health and Welfare collaborated with Taipei City Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Lienchiang County Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital, Wan Fang Hospital, and Mackay Memorial Hospital to establish the "Care Information Integration Platform," implementing a blockchain platform allowing case exchanges to enhance medical efficiency.

In fact, the National Health Insurance Administration launched the Health Bank in 2014, enabling individuals and doctors to access health conditions through the health insurance card. Dr. Shabbir Syed Abdul, Associate Professor at Taipei Medical University's Institute of Information, commented that the Smart Chain Passport introduced by Taipei Medical University Hospital is similar to the Health Bank, but blockchain technology, once fully set up with comprehensive mechanisms for rights and revenue sharing, can return case data to individuals. When providing data for research by enterprises, both individuals and hospitals can be rewarded, ensuring the robustness and openness of the medical information ecosystem.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's "2030 Full-Person Precision Health Care System" plan will also involve planning medical data-related policies, opening up private sector applications for health insurance, among other "data goldmines." Huichin Tseng, Deputy Director of PwC Taiwan, also suggested to the Ministry of Health and Welfare that data privacy protection should be incorporated into technologies like blockchain to safeguard information security.

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