A health data platform called AfyaRekod has been developed to provide comprehensive and personalised healthcare to people and communities, with a focus on preventative care and early detection of health issues.
Founded in 2019, it is a blockchain-powered platform that allows patients to capture, store and control their medical records, whilst giving healthcare providers access to hospital records.
By intertwining blockchain and AI, the platform can provide more secure and transparent ways to store and share health data between parties.
The platform also incorporates machine-learning algorithms to provide personalised health recommendations and feedback in real-time, including guidance to help manage conditions.
The platform is built on a decentralised Information and Technology (IT) system that allows patients to create a digital health record incorporating data on their medical history, allergies, medications, and other crucial health information.
This is stored securely on the blockchain, protecting sensitive health data and giving patients complete control over who can access their information.
According to Nodo News, AfyaRekod recently launched a Universal Patient Portal, which is fully automated and built on blockchain technology and has over 150,000 users in Kenya.
Patients can use the portal to access their health data without having to request it from hospitals.
AfyaRekod is introducing several new features to the platform, including a telemedicine feature that allows people to remotely connect with their healthcare provider.
This is especially useful for rural areas where there is limited access to healthcare.
To combat the growing issue of fake and counterfeit medications in Africa, AfyaRekod has introduced a feature that allows the verification of the authenticity of medications by scanning a unique QR code on the packaging.
The ultimate aim of the startup is to create medical accountability in Kenya and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
“We identified the capture and storage of accurate data across every possible level of infrastructure as a core problem. And bringing real-time access to data was the solution,” remarked the founder of AfyaRekod, Mr John Kamara.
He added, “Our tool now allows patients to create a portal with all their health data and most importantly gives patients sovereign rights of ownership of their data. The patient logs in and sees all the information from the hospital without asking the hospital or begging for it. It’s their right to have access to it.”