Blockchain technology has become a pivotal tool for securing digital transactions, and with its entry into the healthcare sector, it has emerged as an advanced means of ensuring the protection of medical data and the integrity of patient records. This technology is distinguished by its ability to create an immutable and encrypted ledger, where every modification or access to data is recorded in a transparent and secure manner.
Integrating artificial intelligence with blockchain provides a fundamental solution to one of the major challenges in digital health—namely, reliance on centralized databases that are vulnerable to cyberattacks. By adopting a distributed network of encrypted nodes, updates become traceable and instantly verifiable, significantly reducing the risks of data manipulation or loss.
In medical practice, this technology can be utilized to secure electronic patient records, laboratory test results, medical imaging data, as well as AI-generated smart treatment recommendations. Blockchain also offers a secure and transparent platform for recording clinical trial data, ensuring the integrity of results and protecting the rights of participants.
Despite its significant potential, these applications face challenges such as high infrastructure costs, the need to train specialized personnel, and the complexity of integrating blockchain with existing healthcare systems. Nevertheless, its benefits in enhancing security and trust form a solid foundation for the future development of digital healthcare, particularly in countries striving to build advanced health systems.
This article contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3):
Securing medical data and preventing data tampering improves the quality of healthcare and ensures that patients receive safe and accurate treatment.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9):
The integration of blockchain with artificial intelligence represents an innovative model for developing digital infrastructure and fostering innovation in the healthcare sector.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10):
Through the adoption of secure and distributed networks, developing countries can benefit from transparent and reliable digital health systems, helping to narrow the technological gap.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17):
Implementing these advanced technologies requires cooperation among universities, hospitals, technology companies, and international organizations, thereby strengthening global partnerships.
Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq.