Blockchain Technology in Health Care — Lessons and Implications from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate possible applications of blockchain technology in the fight against the pandemic, which, among other negative consequences, has disrupted global supply chains. Bottlenecks in the supply of raw materials and intermediary products for drug production had cascading effects in other areas, causing shortages in the supply of finished products. The author shows how blockchain-based smart contracts can help improve the functioning of the health service in general, how they can be used to optimize treatment methods and make social insurance more efficient. After reviewing the key features of blockchain technology and tracking the stages of its development, from the creation of the Bitcoin virtual currency to its use in smart contracts and other applications in combination with artificial intelligence in many spheres of the economy and social life, the presentation focuses on the use of blockchain in the management of medical records and its role in securing the stability of supplies of medicines and medical equipment.