Blockchain technology is being increasingly applied in healthcare to secure patient data and manage pharmaceutical supply chains, addressing critical industry challenges such as high costs, inefficiencies, and frequent data breaches. With U. S. healthcare spending projected to reach nearly 20 percent of GDP by 2032, blockchain offers promising solutions to improve efficiency and foster innovation. **Applications of Blockchain in Healthcare** Blockchain’s distributed ledger ensures secure transfer of medical records, strengthens data defenses, manages medicine supply chains, and aids in genetic research. By reducing expenditures, safeguarding patient information, and enhancing healthcare delivery, blockchain is already used for encrypting data securely, managing disease outbreaks, and creating seamless experiences for patients and professionals through various platforms. **Healthcare Data Security** In 2024, 735 data breaches affected about 190 million individuals, highlighting the need for robust security. Blockchain’s decentralized and tamper-resistant logs protect sensitive data and securely share information among patients, doctors, and providers. For instance, Novo Nordisk integrates blockchain into its Electronic Patient Interactive Device (ePID) to secure clinical trial data; Akiri offers a network-as-a-service ensuring real-time secure data transfer without storing data; BurstIQ’s platform manages patient data while complying with HIPAA; Medicalchain maintains an immutable health record that protects identity; and Guardtime supports cybersecurity efforts in Estonia and the UAE using blockchain solutions. **Blockchain-Based Medical Records** Wasteful spending accounts for roughly 25 percent of U. S. healthcare costs, partly due to inefficiencies in accessing patient records.

Blockchain creates unified ecosystems of medical data, enabling streamlined access and personalized care. Companies like Avaneer, backed by major healthcare players, use public ledgers to improve claims and provider data; ProCredEx offers an immutable healthcare credential ledger to boost safety and care quality; and Patientory facilitates encrypted, efficient sharing and storage of patient information, accelerating healthcare operations. **Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management** Blockchain offers transparency throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain by recording every stage from origin to consumer. Companies like Chronicled develop blockchain networks ensuring drug custody and combating trafficking, including the Mediledger Project for supply chain safety; Embleema accelerates drug development through secure data collection in virtual trials; Tierion audits medicines using timestamps to maintain ownership proof; SoluLab provides blockchain development for drug authenticity and encryption; and FarmaTrust tracks pharmaceuticals and medical devices to prevent counterfeits and enhance data security. **Genomics Breakthroughs** As genome sequencing costs have dramatically decreased—from about $1 million in 2007 to roughly $600—blockchain supports the secure storage and sharing of extensive genetic data, creating marketplaces for encrypted genetic information. Sharecare’s Smart Omix platform enables decentralized research with wearable data and e-consent; Nebula Genomics removes intermediaries by fostering a large genetic database where users can safely sell data; and EncrypGen’s Gene-Chain facilitates secure transactions and sharing of genetic data among members, advancing genomic research while preserving privacy. **Smart Contracts in Healthcare** Smart contracts—self-executing agreements triggered by predefined conditions—are transforming healthcare by automating data exchanges without compromising patient privacy. According to distributed ledger platform Hedera, smart contracts can reduce medical errors by 10 percent and enhance medical record management. **Future Outlook** The healthcare blockchain market is expected to expand to $193 billion by 2034, driven by enhanced medical record security, improved data sharing, and reductions in manual processing inefficiencies. Private blockchains are gaining traction due to regulatory compliance, despite high costs and challenges. Moreover, integration with AI, IoT, and telehealth promises broader adoption and further transformation of healthcare systems. **FAQ** *How is blockchain used in healthcare?* Blockchain encrypts patient data, secures exchanges, eliminates redundant paperwork, and serves as a reliable platform for clinical research and data management, fostering safer and more efficient healthcare operations.