Blockchain Initiatives in Afghanistan – Blockchain Technology in Health

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with blockchain firm FantomOperations to integrate blockchain technology into the country’s healthcare system.

According to reports published by the Afghan Voice Agency, it aims to identify counterfeit drugs, create medical records in hospitals, digitize patient records as well as other blockchain initiatives in Afghanistan.

Commenting on the initiative, Afghan Minister of Public Health, Ferozuddin Feroz, said:

“The Ministry of Public Health is committed to institutionalizing electronic governance systems in the health sector. Blockchain technology would help the ministry bring transparency, acceleration and efficiency in related business. ”

Both the government and the public have expressed concern about the volume of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the country. Many citizens have opted for traditional medicine for health problems because it is cheaper and more accessible.

A report released in April by the European Asylum Support Office said:

“The drug importers’ union said at least 40% of medicines and medical equipment are entering the Afghan market illegally. Many of the pharmaceuticals are of low quality. ”

Blockchain initiatives in Afghanistan

This summer, the United Nations has revealed that it has begun working on blockchain solutions for sustainable urban development in Afghanistan. These are part of the UN’s “City for All” initiative, which develops blockchain solutions to keep track of land and provide transparency of services. The three declared priorities are the efficient management of the lands, the strategic urban planning and the improvement of the municipal finances.

In April, Afghanistan’s central bank governor, Khalil Sediq, said the institution is considering issuing a state crypto bond to raise $ 5.8 billion. Along with Bitcoin (BTC), Sediq mentioned the possibility of including metal-based futures. The official pointed out that the country’s mineral reserves are estimated at over 3 trillion dollars.