The recent research in the healthcare sector using computer technologies in
the fourth industrial revolution helps to improve the quality of life by accessing the
medical data to monitor, diagnose and treat the patient at the right time from anywhere
in the world. Blockchain is one of the major recent innovations and trending research
topics that plays a vital role in diverse applications like Smart cities, Healthcare
industry, Smart grid, etc. Blockchain, which is fascinated with its features like secure
data sharing, immutability, decentralization, and reliability in data management, has
made it a prominent technology in the healthcare industry. This chapter discusses 1)
The working principle of blockchain technology with its different prospectus in
healthcare. 2) Advantages of blockchain technology over the Internet of Things in
secured patient data management, efficient data sharing with decentralized data
management accessible for authorized users using cryptography techniques. 3) Various
applications of blockchain technology in healthcare, like remote patient monitoring
using Internet of Things (IoT) devices for cardiac and electroencephalogram (EEG)
signal monitoring to diagnose life-threatening diseases. 4) Drug traceability in the
pharmaceutical drug supply chain to ensure product safety with an end-to-end tracking
system and immutable transaction record. Finally, this chapter also presents the
blockchain based challenges and solutions that advocate the future research scope in
healthcare systems.
Keywords: Blockchain, Challenges, Drug Traceability, Healthcare, Smart Cities.
