IIT-BHU Develops Blockchain-Based Tech for Emergency Healthcare

Aligned with India’s healthcare initiatives, such as Ayushman Bharat and the Viksit Bharat vision for 2047, the system aims to expand telemedicine and remote healthcare services across the country.

Researchers from the Department of Computer Science Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) have developed a blockchain-based system to improve emergency healthcare.

This innovation integrates machine learning and real-time health monitoring to bridge healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas.

Reportedly, the technology employs sensors that attach to a patient’s body, connecting to a mobile device via Bluetooth. These sensors detect emergencies, such as heart attacks or high blood pressure, and send alerts to mobile phones. Using blockchain, the system also notifies family members and nearby hospitals, ensuring prompt medical attention.

Assistant Professor Ajay Pratap, leading the research, said "The system uses Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) for secure, decentralized data analysis, enabling early detection of medical emergencies and personalized treatment plans."

Aligned with India’s healthcare initiatives, such as Ayushman Bharat and the Viksit Bharat vision for 2047, the system aims to expand telemedicine and remote healthcare services across the country.

The study, titled "Energy-Efficient and Privacy-Preserving Blockchain-Based Federated Learning for Smart Healthcare Systems," was co-authored by Ajay Pratap and PhD students Moirangthem Biken Singh and Himanshu Singh. The team recently received an Indian patent for this innovative technology.

Prof Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU), praised the team, highlighting that "this research will enhance the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) system through secure blockchain verification, ensuring reliable access to healthcare services."

This advancement addresses current healthcare challenges and lays the foundation for a more connected and efficient healthcare system in India.

In November, A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU), Varanasi, led by Prof Pranjal Chandra from the School of Biochemical Engineering, developed a pioneering diagnostic tool aimed at addressing the challenges posed by chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Designed to detect two key biomarkers—creatinine and albumin—this device uses advanced nanoengineering techniques to modify ordinary filter paper, transforming it into a diagnostic tool capable of delivering reliable results in under 10 minutes.

The system also features an accompanying software application called CretCheck, which processes results and provides an easy-to-read output, with ‘green’ indicating healthy kidney function and ‘red’ flagging potential CKD.

The diagnostic platform underwent rigorous validation using human serum samples, and results have been published in renowned journals, including ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, showcasing its scientific reliability.

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