Nigeria’s healthcare system faces a myriad of challenges, from data breaches compromising patient trust to administrative inefficiencies creating opportunities for corruption and the persistent threat of counterfeit drugs.
In 2024, blockchain technology offers a secure haven for data, streamlined processes, and a shield against fraud. Today, we’ll look at how blockchain technology can address several facets of Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
Data Breaches: Fortifying Patient Privacy
The lack of data security in Nigeria’s healthcare system erodes trust and violates privacy rights, hindering patients from sharing vital information. For example, a leak of about 75,000 files of personal data of beneficiaries to the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency was discovered in April 2022. Details such as names, addresses, and identification documents were exposed, leaving victims vulnerable to further cyber attacks.
Blockchain technology provides a robust solution by encrypting and storing patient data on a tamper-proof, distributed ledger. Transparent recording of every modification ensures data integrity, empowering patients to control access.
Inefficiency and Corruption: Streamlining Processes with Blockchain Precision
Administrative complexities plague Nigerian healthcare, leading to delays, errors, and corruption opportunities. Blockchain intervenes by streamlining processes, offering secure, automated solutions. Electronic medical records stored on the blockchain are readily accessible, eliminating paperwork and delays. Automatic verification of insurance claims reduces fraud, exemplified by Deloitte’s estimation of a potential 30% reduction in administrative costs.
Counterfeit Drugs: A Blockchain Cure for a Deadly Scourge
Counterfeit drugs pose a severe public health threat, causing an estimated 116,000 deaths annually in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria alone, a 2012 report found 64 per cent of antimalarial drugs to be counterfeit. Further research conducted in 2019 indicates counterfeit malaria drugs, to cost the Nigerian healthcare system and economy an increasing $892 million yearly. The devastating effect of fake medication is endemic, from financial losses to preventable deaths.
Notwithstanding the drugs verification efforts, the National food and Drugs Commission fosters, there is a clear need for a technology upgrade. With Blockchain technology a unique digital identity is attached to each medication, offering a transparent and tamper-proof system that exposes and eradicates counterfeit attempts.
Initiatives like VeChain and PharmaLedger demonstrate the success of blockchain in combating counterfeit drugs. By adopting this technology in 2024, Nigeria can safeguard its population from dangerous fakes and restore trust in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
A Page from Estonia
At the forefront of Blockchain technology in healthcare is a small European Country called Estonia. Their healthcare system functions through The Electronic Health Record (e-Health Record), this is based on KSI Blockchain technology. All health records, visits and medical history are securely stored in the blockchain ledger.
The e-Health Record actually retrieves data as necessary from various providers, who may be using different systems, and presents it in a standard format via the e-Patient portal. A result is a powerful tool for doctors that allows them to access a patient’s records easily from a single electronic file.
Implementation of this system greatly improved the efficiency and saved millions of dollars in administrative costs. It’s no wonder neighbouring countries are beginning to adopt this model.
Embracing blockchain in Nigeria requires a clear and strategic approach from government officials:
1. Regulatory Framework: Establish clear guidelines for responsible and ethical blockchain use within healthcare.
2. Investment in Pilot Projects: Targeted investment in pilot projects and research to demonstrate tangible benefits.
3. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Strategically collaborate with private companies and international organisations to share best practices and overcome implementation hurdles.
4. Education and Training Programs: Implement comprehensive education and training programs for healthcare professionals and the public to build awareness and trust in blockchain technology.
Nigeria’s healthcare challenges are undeniably real, but blockchain presents a clear path to a radically improved future. In 2024, our pharmaceutical industry, Ministry of Health and other healthcare stakeholders can use innovative Blockchain tech to lay the foundations of a more effective healthcare system.
Next week, we will be visiting another major industry in Nigeria and exploring how Blockchain technology can greatly transform their outlook this year.
