Blockchain-based healthcare information system developed by IIT-Madras researchers

The researchers of IIT Madras have developed a blockchain-based secure medical data and information exchange system for a mobile phone-based application - ‘BlockTrack’. At present it is being field-tested at the institute’s hospital.

As per a release, BlockTrack aims to securely digitise healthcare information systems along with ensuring protection of sensitive personal information and medical records by decentralising the control and ownership of patient data, through a blockchain-based innovation. It is now protected through a provisional IP filed with the Indian Patent Office.

For patients and doctors, the android version has been developed separately. It opens up universal and transferable healthcare information management with a strong emphasis on data privacy and tracking the spread of infectious diseases across geographies.

It allows the interoperability of systems from multiple hospitals, institutes, and healthcare organisations. The patient can choose to visit any healthcare facility which is on BlockTrack’s blockchain network without any concerns about duplication of records or re-registrations, said the release.

The application development has been led by Prabhu Rajagopal, Lead Faculty for Remote Diagnostics, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE), Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras.

K VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, said, “The National Digital Health Mission launched by the Indian Government last year had secure processing of individual data and easy accessibility of digitalised personal and medical records by individuals and health service providers as its two important objectives. Effective implementation of these objectives will require leveraging emerging technologies. BlockTrack is a step in the right direction.”