Source: The post on digitization of health records in India is based on the article “Express View on ICMR leak: Plug the breach” published in “The Indian Express” on 19th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security – Cyber Security
News: Recently, personal details of more than 80 crore people including Aadhaar and phone numbers, passport details, and health records had been leaked from the ICMR website and put on sale on the dark web.
This incident highlights the risk associated with the digitization of health records and a need for robust cyber security.
For further reading on the ICMR data breach: Click Here
What are the benefits of digitization of health records?
Quicker Diagnosis: Electronic repositories of patients’ medical histories, diagnoses, treatments and other healthcare information can lead to quicker diagnosis.
Better Treatment Decisions and Improved Safety Standards: Electronic repositories can also lead to better treatment decisions and improved safety standards.
Accessibility: Patients can easily access their medical history from anywhere, allowing them to be more informed in their healthcare decisions.
Continuity of Care: Healthcare providers can seamlessly share patient information between different hospitals and clinics, ensuring continuity of care even if a patient changes doctors or facilities.
Personal Health Management: Patients can track their health data, such as medication schedules, which can help them manage chronic conditions more effectively.
What are the concerns associated with the digitization of health records?
Disclosure of Personal Information: Concerns arise regarding the unauthorized disclosure of information related to financial transactions, personal communications, and medical details. The breach also causes worries about violations of privacy.
Issues with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: The scheme has elevated digital healthcare. It operates on a federated architecture where data flows among participants rather than being stored centrally.
Despite this, a World Bank study raised concerns as health insurers can access patient data within the ecosystem, posing potential data security issues.
Cyber-attacks: It can disrupt the functioning of medical systems. For example, a ransomware attack on AIIMS servers last year forced the hospital to switch a significant portion of its operations to manual mode for nearly two weeks.
What vulnerabilities do other countries face in terms of cyber-attacks on health data?
The healthcare systems of both the US and the UK have experienced cyberattacks.
Legal frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in the US and the UK’s Data Protection Act have not entirely succeeded in preventing breaches.
What can be the way ahead for India?
India’s recently introduced Data Protection Act has faced criticism for not prioritizing the security of health-related information. Hence, there is a need for policymakers to enhance the robustness of the system to prevent such attacks.
Question for practice: Discuss the potential benefits and concerns associated with the digitization of health records.
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