Question : Blockchain Technology in Healthcare

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether blockchain technology being used in different parts of the world can be used in public health system in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the areas in which it is currently being used in the country along with its impact;
(d) whether there has been a comprehensive assessment of the areas in which blockchain technology can be used in public health management in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of the proposal with the Government for expanding the usage of blockchain technology in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (e): Block chain has the potential to form the underlying technology for information management systems in a number of sectors.
NITI Aayog has implemented pilots on the block chain. In Public Health, a pilot to track and trace the pharma supply chain using block chain was implemented. The details of the pilot are documented in section 3 of the Block chain: The India Strategy Document released by NITI Aayog.
This strategy document also facilitates the guidance in the assessment of processes for suitability towards block chain application. The document has proposed following potential areas for block chain implementation:
a. Pharmaceutical drugs supply chain
b. Immunization Supply Chain
- Cold Chain Management
- Ensuring timely vaccination
- Alerting patients
- Incentivizing patients and health officials