Design and Implementation of a Blockchain-Based Secure Data Sharing Framework to Enhance the Healthcare System

The integration of blockchain technology into healthcare offers a robust solution to challenges in secure data sharing, privacy protection, and operational efficiency. Effective exchange of sensitive patient information among hospitals, clinics, insurers, and researchers is essential for better outcomes and medical advancements. Traditional centralized systems often suffer from data breaches, inefficiency, and poor interoperability. This paper presents a blockchain-based secure data-sharing framework tailored for healthcare, addressing these limitations. The framework employs a hybrid blockchain model, combining private and public blockchains: the private chain ensures fast transactions and controlled access, while the public chain fosters transparency and trust. Advanced cryptographic methods—such as asymmetric encryption, hashing, and digital signatures—safeguard patient data and maintain integrity throughout the datalifecycle. Smart contracts automate processes like consent management, access control, and auditing, ensuring dynamic permission enforcement without intermediaries. Role-based access control (RBAC) further limits access to authorized entities, enhancing privacy. To tackle interoperability, standardized data formats and protocols enable smooth communication across diverse healthcare systems. Large files, such as medical images, are stored off-chain, with only essential metadata and logs on the blockchain. This approach optimizes performance, scalability, and suitability for large-scale healthcare deployments.