Managing Patient Medical Record using Blockchain in Developing Countries: Challenges and Security Issues

Abstract

The world was invaded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shook the whole world and only technology has made it possible to preserve the minimum subsistence of many areas, including the healthcare field. In developing countries, many have applied the technology through centralized health systems. Unfortunately, this solution cannot be generalized everywhere in countries where a well- defined health organization is lacking. So in countries where the patient has difficulty using the technology. Not to mention issues such as attacks that can endanger critical patient records and their privacy by revealing their medical secrets. Several challenges concern the management of medical record, and among the solutions that promise to solve many problems concerning this critical point is the blockchain, through its decentralized form and its security mechanisms. This article examines the benefits and opportunities of applying blockchain in healthcare, specifically in developing countries, focusing on security and privacy issues. It presents use cases via blockchain-based solutions for managing medical records. Finally, it presents a discussion of the different challenges and problems to be solved for the implementation of this solution in developing countries.