Blockchains Fight Against Coronavirus

On Jan. 30, the South China Morning Post noted that one of the largest Asian pharmaceutical companies, Zuellig, had established a blockchain-based system to track the quality of coronavirus vaccines. Named “eZTracker,” it permits any user to instantly confirm the provenance and authenticity of vaccines by scanning the QR code on the package. Relatively surprisingly, there have not been many reports of blockchain-based products embraced by big pharma or global healthcare organizations throughout the epidemic to support the anti-coronavirus effort. Here is a rundown of the notable cases of such adoption, along with potential reasons for the limited interest in blockchain among healthcare officials.

South Korea: Blockchain Vaccine Passports

In April 2021, the South Korean government submitted blockchain-based vaccine passports amid the coronavirus crisis. Putting proof of vaccination on a dispersed ledger provides the document’s authenticity as many people worldwide tend to counterfeit such “Green Passes,” which sometimes can secure entry to restaurants, public spaces, and travel.

The app, which goes by COOV, was created by London-based Blockchain Labs and is public on the App Store and Google Play Store. It develops a QR-code for each user and guarantees that all personal data is stored on the user’s device, exchanging it with the app host through blockchain only.

Brazil: The National Health Data Network

The blockchain-based National Health Data Network is not explicitly created to fight the COVID-19. It comprises a vital part of the ambitious plan to digitize Brazil’s entire healthcare system. However, the system has responded to COVID-19-related challenges since late 2020.

The primary usage of the Brazilian network, like that in South Korea, is vaccination tracking. The system records every jab immediately, building a database that qualifies for continuity of care in the public and private sectors. The national healthcare digitization project should be achieved by 2023.

Mexico: COVID-19 Test Certificates

In October 2021, private healthcare provider MDS Mexico established a quick coronavirus testing service supported by blockchain. The digital platform permits patients to get their test results in real-time via a QR code and safely reserve their vaccination history.