The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now among a growing list of countries adopting blockchain technology to improve storage and security of data within the national health system.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) just recently launched a blockchain-based platform for storing health data, including information on UAE healthcare facilities, medical practitioners, and medications.


The new platform is part of MoHAP’s plans for incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the health service, pursuant to the country's Artificial Intelligence Strategy, one of the pioneering projects of the UAE Centennial 2071.

The blockchain database system, for instance, will help streamline the search for healthcare facilities, their licensed medical and technical personnel, and their expertise – in three easy steps using the MoHAP App. It is also possible to enquire about any medication, with the app providing information on a specific drug's manufacturer and approved agent, its active substance, the method of use, and its price.

Furthermore, with the blockchain platform, the work of health inspectors will become easier, more efficient and more effective, according to MoHAP. The system will also encourage medical tourism by providing easy access to high-quality integrated information on healthcare in the country.

"This innovative platform comes as part of MoHAP’s strategy to develop smart systems and provide the best smart electronic services, to achieve customer happiness and implement the standards of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and smart government enablers," said Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, MoHAP's Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licences.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Health Policy Department, Dr Lubna Al Shaali, said the use of blockchain technology would help improve data verification and consistency. This, in turn, will provide a high level of transparency and confidence in the healthcare services sector. "This blockchain-based platform would help secure an unchangeable, decentralised and encrypted database with high-security protection to verify data validity and reliability," Dr Al Shaali pointed out.

Source: Emirates News Agency
Image credit: iStock

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blockchain UAE storage cybersecurity transparency The UAE is using blockchain technology to store easy access healthcare data.