Blockchain adoption in healthcare is changing the way in which medical
information is managed, shared, and secured. As a distributed digital ledger, it helps
solve big problems in healthcare, such as scattered data, privacy risks, and slow or
inefficient exchange of records. With the help of cryptography and consensus
mechanisms, blockchain ensures that records are permanent, transparent, and easy to
track. Its applications are wide-ranging, covering Electronic Health Records (EHRs),
drug supply chain tracking, insurance claims management, and protecting the accuracy
of clinical trial data. Smart contracts can also automate routine tasks, reduce fraud, and
cut down operating costs. A key advantage of blockchain is its decentralized design,
which gives patients more control and access to their health information, supporting a
patient-centered approach to care. However, there are still challenges, such as limited
scalability. This chapter reviews current blockchain applications in healthcare, explains
its transformative role in improving healthcare delivery, and discusses the technical,
ethical, and legal barriers that must be addressed for wider adoption.
Keywords: Blockchain, Cryptography, Distributed ledger, Healthcare ecosystem, Smart contract.
