Transformative power of blockchain technology in healthcare

Although blockchain is not yet widely used in the healthcare sector, there is growing interest in its potential benefits. It is believed that blockchain technology could revolutionise critical areas such as data security, transparency and patient privacy. With the digitisation of healthcare, securing and securely sharing data has become a top priority for both patients and healthcare providers. At this point, the question arises: Could the decentralised structure of blockchain be an effective solution to enhance security and optimise information sharing processes in this sector?

One of the biggest benefits of using blockchain in healthcare is ensuring data security. In current healthcare systems, patient information is often stored in centralised databases, making it vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Blockchain, on the other hand, prevents data from being collected in a single location due to its decentralised structure, eliminating a single point of attack for hackers. In addition, every transaction on the chain is encrypted, making it impossible to change data retroactively. This prevents unauthorised changes or access to patient data. However, it’s important to consider some of the technical and operational challenges facing the sector in order to fully implement this technology. When integrating blockchain into healthcare, technical challenges such as compatibility with existing systems and managing large data files come to the fore. The transition from centralised databases to blockchain could pose challenges in terms of time and cost. In addition, the lack of sufficient knowledge about blockchain among healthcare professionals increases operational difficulties. Training staff and making systems user-friendly will be essential to the successful use of this technology. In addition, legal barriers, such as a lack of regulation and challenges in international data sharing, are among the issues that need to be addressed.

Several key companies are emerging that are integrating blockchain technology into the healthcare sector. For example, MedRec is recognised as a blockchain platform that ensures the secure storage and sharing of patient data. MedRec gives patients full control over their health information and enables secure data transfer. Another example is BurstIQ, which provides a blockchain-based platform for the encryption and management of healthcare data. BurstIQ creates a trusted bridge between patients and healthcare providers by ensuring the secure exchange of personal health data. In addition, projects such as Solve.Care aim to increase efficiency in the healthcare system by using blockchain for patient care, appointment management and health insurance processes. These examples provide a clear indication of how blockchain offers concrete solutions in the healthcare sector.

Blockchain technology is starting to make its mark not only in healthcare, but also in the world of sports and fitness, and one of the best examples in this space is Healthycoin. Healthycoin offers a blockchain-based system that rewards healthy lifestyle choices. By turning fitness activities into a decentralised financial structure, it offers users the opportunity to earn tokens and participate in a global marketplace. Users can exchange the HealthyCoins they earn by working out at the gym, eating a balanced diet, or managing chronic diseases like diabetes for a variety of rewards, such as fitness products, healthcare services, or advanced prosthetics. More than just a fitness app, the platform is an ecosystem that encourages users to make healthier choices and rewards them for staying active. It has already become a platform that many users and investors are watching and waiting for.

Israel, too, has a rapidly developing ecosystem in the field of blockchain and digital health. A number of startups in the field are integrating blockchain technology to provide innovative solutions for the healthcare sector. For example, companies like Quris aim to protect data and strengthen patient privacy by leveraging the security and traceability benefits of blockchain in healthcare services. Quris uses blockchain-integrated biological testing platforms in the drug development process to reduce the cost and failure rate of clinical trials. In addition, companies such as Pangea Biomed are focusing on personalised cancer treatments using blockchain-enabled bioinformatics solutions, enabling the development of treatments that are compatible with patients’ genetic profiles.

In conclusion, Israel has great potential to integrate blockchain technology into the healthcare sector and should position itself as a leading country by taking the right and pioneering steps in this area. The country’s strong technological infrastructure and knowledge base in the healthcare sector are among the key factors that will accelerate this transition. As mentioned above, blockchain can revolutionise healthcare services by ensuring the security of patient data while providing transparency and traceability. Israel should act quickly and decisively at this point, with the aim of integrating technological innovations into the healthcare system to improve the quality of life of individuals. Technology can make healthcare both more reliable and more accessible, and Israel is clearly in a position to lead this change. Bold steps taken by the country in this regard can make a difference not only locally, but also globally.