Application of blockchain technology to organised hospitals in India: a review of opportunities in supply chain

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Authors
Dasgupta, Debashree
Issue Date
2020
Degree
MBA in Cloud Computing
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights
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Abstract
Since the advent of blockchain via Bitcoin, progress and study has continued to expand its implementation to non-financial use cases. Health industry expects to have a profound impact from the implementation of blockchain technology. Despite key developments in medical informatics and operations, there has been little advancement to date on resolving process-related challenges in the supply chain. Specifically, primary supply chain processes for hospitals include drug shortage tracking, product expiration, counterfeiting and drug recalls. Successful implementation and execution of these operations in a trusted, reliable, globally accessible and traceable fashion is intimidating because of the complex nature of the value chain, which is susceptible to systematic defects and superfluous efforts that may negatively impact patient safety and health outcomes. This paper focuses on a literature analysis and expert interviews for determine the current structure of Indian healthcare supply chain, key challenges faced by the organised hospital chains and discusses the opportunities for application of blockchain technology. The approach is to challenge the traditional view and to recognize blockchain solutions that will enhance the supply chain capabilities with the healthcare businesses. The study reviews major challenges in the supply chain of hospitals in India and identifies opportunities where blockchain technology can play a major role in transforming and improving now, and in the coming years.