Blockchain technologies are uniquely suited for verifying, securing, and sharing data, they are ideal for multi-party, inter-organization, cross border transactions.
During the last five years, companies across the globe have tested the technology with many proofs of concept, but actual deployments have been slow due to lack of agreement on IP rights, governance, and business models. Government regulations have also impeded their rapid deployment and use.
The current pandemic (Covid-19) has put the spotlight on the current weaknesses, especially in supply chains, in our inability to deploy resources where they are most needed and the difficulty in sharing data, which would help in managing the pandemic.
Now, blockchain solutions are being repurposed and used to address these challenges.
- VeriTX founded in 2019 by Col. James Regenor has been building a blockchain-powered platform for buying and selling traceable 3D printed parts. VeriTX enabled customers can order and print parts for use where and when they need them. Blockchain ensures tamperproof design and printing instructions. He set up Rapid Medical Parts in March 2020 and immediately received an order from Pentagon to convert sleep machines to ventilators. This requires additional parts that will be printed by RMP at a tenth of the cost of a new ventilator. The units will be in hospitals by May.
- MiPasa is a blockchain-based open data hub, created by a partnership between WHO, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, and other government agencies. This platform aims to detect Covid-19 carriers and hotspots around the world quickly and precisely. This will be done by sharing securely the information between individuals, hospitals, and public health authorities. The system creates digital identifiers that cannot be linked back to the data source and prevent personal information from being leaked out. This enables global health organizations and companies to securely collaborate and share information while assuring robust privacy protection. MiPasa should become an important tool in helping control the pandemic.
- Tymlez is partnering with the Dutch government to map and analyze the medical supply chain. This provides a basis for a blockchain-enabled decentralized marketplace. By creating transparency of critical components like PPE and ventilators it reduces the risk pf hoarding, price hikes, quality, and fraud.
- Honduras' government with Coindesk is rolling out a health care program using a blockchain solution to address data privacy issues. The app Civitas lets medical professionals share patients confidential data to care facilities and enable patient to travel despite stay at home orders. It allows the government to develop more accurate and realtime data about the spread of infection.
- China has launched close to 20 applications based on blockchain since February 2020 that incudes online screening systems, platforms that support management, allocation, and donation of relief supplies., enforceable bracelets for foreign visitors entering Hong Kong to enforce quarantine programs.
To use technologies to build a better future it is necessary to ensure data privacy and transparent data usage. The power of blockchain is its ability to share data without revealing personal information thereby protecting our democratic values.
How the Pandemic Is Pushing Blockchain Forward
by Remko van Hoek and Mary Lacity HBR April 27,
Comments
Post a Comment