United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Health Launches Blockchain System

United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched a blockchain system for recording and sharing healthcare data.

The official news agency of the UAE reported the development on Sept. 18, noting that the system aims to improve data integrity.

A healthcare data sharing solution

Per the report, the platform will “save and share the assessment information of health professionals, including doctors, pharmacists and technicians with local licensing health authorities.” 

Assistant under-secretary of the Support Services Sector, Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, said:

“The Ministry has successfully developed the necessary infrastructure for a blockchain-based decentralized database. In the first stage, we will link the system of evaluation of health workers with public and private health authorities and other relevant institutions to create a single digital platform with access to the portfolio of health professionals.”

Part of a broader initiative

Al Ketbi also pointed out that the solution is part of the broader Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021 announced in April last year, with which the UAE aims to make sure that 50% of government transactions will be blockchain-based by 2021. 

Director of Information Technology at the Ministry, Mubaraka Ibrahim, praised the advantages offered by blockchain technology, saying:

“Blockchain technology offers a variety of benefits and advantages, including a decentralized database in which the stored data becomes unchangeable. It will also help improve data and information validation and consistency, which in turn provides a high level of transparency and trust in the healthcare services sector.”

The official also explained tamper-proof data will allow health service providers to “access reliable information and take appropriate decisions, automate workflow processes electronically, improve the experience of customers and employees, and boost operational performance.”

Lastly, she noted that MoHAP is also working to develop e-health services and laying out plans to integrate digital technologies and improve the quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare with big data, predictive models and blockchain technologies.

As Cointelegraph reported at the end of May, the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the real estate arm of the Executive Council of Dubai, has partnered with UAE-based Mashreq Bank to release a blockchain-based mortgage platform.