Block chain which is termed as “The game changing method of conducting transactions “.
First of all what is block chain , as the names suggests its an chains of blocks . Blocks that’s contain three things: data, hash value and the hash value of the previous block ,and various such blocks forms a chain as we studied in linked list in java, one holding the address of the next or previous block. If we tamper with the data of any block then its hash value changes and the next block cant identify its previous block thus breaking the chain. To deal with this situation the entire chain is tampered and again the proof of work is done to identify the real blocks and form a chain .So moving into depths ,blockchain is a chain where transactions are done on a digital ledger(which can be anywhere where the records are written or placed for anyone in the network to see, and exchange .).
Now its considered that the data these blocks hold is not just transactions but can also be medical records. This technology can actually uplift the health data exchanges , and would increase the security and efficiency of the existing system. Electronic medical records can give better health care outcomes for patients.
Now the only thing we must be wondering that if health data transactions be done using block chain technology , how can it be secure ? why cant someone easily hack the data? The answer is yes Blockchain is actually the most secure technology right now , each block is coded with SHA 256 hash code which is a 64 bits random data , even if one tries to tamper one block slightly, the hash of the block changes and as we know the next block holds the hash of previous block , now this block will become invalid for the next block ,in turn all the block ahead will not recognize the block ,in turn the proof of work is need to done again , its like generating another 64 bit hash using SHA256 for like hundreds of block or nearly all blocks in the chain , which is nearly impossible . Now one can say why its impossible its because one cannot create a hash code like that ,it requires a very high computational power which normal cpus and gpus cant do .Thus creating hash for these many blocks and then approving form all the users (proof of work ) and making a chain again as , every user will identify the invalid transaction and thus no tampering is even possible with block chain. Thus block chain is very secure .
Also the network is entirely based on authentication of all participants. Every user has his public key and private key , which ensures that the transaction made belongs to the user , and every transaction done by the user need the users signature and then verification of all others are required. Unless its not verified by maximum nodes in the network transaction wont be added as a block in the chain .The public key ensures that the message is broadcasted to all the users in the network and private key ensures that the message is send by us.
Blockchain can also help in Tracking of returned medicines and can make it easy as there is not just a centralized system to maintain everything.Health data is often sensitive and needs to be kept private, and only shared in certain circumstances. The other is that there are advantages to having more data when assessing a current problem or health state. Blockchain can help by creating a secure way to electronically hold health data, and allow a person to control who sees it and who doesn’t .It also facilitates tracking health data, and every heath interaction throughout that person’s entire life, giving them the benefit of the maximum possible amount of data when making a health determination. Blockchain technology provides a more secure method of data storage, and in a sense is a better lock.Many of the cyber security techniques are put in place to stop humans from unwittingly sharing the data.People will still be tricked into giving the wrong access to the wrong people.
So yes, blockchain is definitely the future of healthcare.
Shristi uniyal 