The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has teamed up with the Ministry of Presidential affairs as well as Dubai Healthcare City, to launch a Blockchain-based health data storage platform. According to the Emirates News Agency on Feb 2, the blockchain-based platform aims to improve the efficiency of the health ministry as well as other health authorities in the country. The platform will also help users find health facilities and licensed medical personnel much more comfortably, as well as enquire about medication.
The director of the Public Health Policy Department, Dr Lubna Al Shaali said that the new blockchain storage platform would help secure an unchangeable, decentralized and encrypted database with high-security protection to verify data validity and reliability. The platform will also include Artificial Intelligence (AI) functionalities, which is in line with the ministries plans to introduce A.I into health services. Dr Amin Hussein AL Amiri, who is the assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Public Health Policy and Licenses, praised the platform and its role in bringing A.I to the health sector. Dr Amin said;
“The AI-based projects will play a key role in enhancing the capabilities of health care services and providing smart medical solutions, in accordance with the UAE Centennial 2071, and its artificial intelligence strategy,”
The healthcare sector in the UAE stands to benefit immensely by adopting blockchain technology. The fact that the blockchain is decentralized, secure, transparent, and efficient in managing data, means that health records and transactions will be safe. There will be challenges along the way though; such as privacy, and provider-patient relationships. Despite the challenges, the UAE’s Department of Economic Development in Dubai announced there move to a blockchain-based unified business registry and platform. These developments show their confidence in the technology and their willingness to go around the challenges.
