Rethinking Medical Records Through Decentralization
In today’s healthcare system, accessing your own medical records shouldn’t be a struggle. Yet, in Thailand, patients face significant challenges when moving between hospitals due to disconnected electronic health record (EHR) systems. A team of CMKL freshmen and their advisor, Dr.Charnon, behind Med-D are working to change that by introducing a decentralized medical data management system—one that prioritizes patient control, security, and efficiency.
Instead of a centralized database vulnerable to breaches, Med-D allows patients to store their medical records securely on their devices. When needed, records can be verified through blockchain technology without exposing sensitive data. This approach ensures privacy and security while eliminating single points of failure.
"We wanted to move away from a system where patient data is controlled by a central authority,” the team explained. “With Med-D, patients have full ownership of their health records, deciding who can access them and when."
Despite its benefits, decentralization introduces new challenges, particularly regarding data recovery. If a patient loses their device, their records could be lost as well. The team is addressing this by allowing encrypted backups, similar to secure messaging apps. “We recognize this as a limitation, but we’re designing solutions that ensure patients can regain access to their records without compromising security,” they said.
Another key insight from the project is that Med-D isn’t intended to be a traditional startup. Initially, the team considered a for-profit model, but as the project evolved, they realized it would be more suited for public health infrastructure or a non-profit setting.
"In the context of public health, a system like this is more reliable when integrated into a national healthcare framework,” they explained. “Our goal is to partner with organizations like Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) to make Med-D part of the country’s medical ecosystem.”
Looking forward, the team envisions AI-powered diagnostics as an added feature, helping patients assess symptoms before consulting a doctor. However, they are well aware of the ethical and legal concerns.
“If we introduce AI, we need to ensure privacy and accuracy,” they said. “We’re considering using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) and other cryptographic techniques to maintain patient confidentiality.”
Partnerships with insurance companies are also on the table. The team sees potential in offering better coverage plans for Med-D users while providing insurers with a space to advertise within the app.
The journey is definitely not a smooth ride in the park. Early on, poor communication and time management slowed progress, but the team quickly adapted. “At first, we struggled with clearly assigning tasks,” they admitted. “But we’ve learned that effective delegation and weekly goal-setting make a huge difference.”
Reflecting on the project, they also acknowledged an initial misconception:
“We thought this could be easily turned into a business. But the more we worked on it, the more we realized it’s not about making money—it’s about making healthcare better.”
Med-D shifts in how medical data is managed. By giving patients control over their records, using blockchain for security, and exploring AI for future enhancements, the team is setting the stage for a more connected and efficient healthcare system in Thailand.
As the project moves forward, one thing is clear: the future of medical records isn’t locked away in hospital databases—it’s in the hands of the people who need them most.
