In a groundbreaking collaboration, AlgoBharat, the Indian arm of the Algorand Foundation, has joined forces with Lok Swasthya SEWA to launch a Digital Health Passport initiative. This innovative project leverages blockchain technology to empower women in India’s informal sector, providing them with secure and efficient access to critical healthcare services and social safety net programs.
Empowering Women Through Technology
The partnership, cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will see the development of a blockchain-based Digital Health Passport. This solution promises a secure, immutable record of verified credentials, facilitating easier access to essential health benefits. SEWA Shakti Kendras (SSKs), the community centers of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), will serve as hubs where women can access their digital health passports and receive support in navigating health services and other entitlements.
Mirai Chatterjee, Director of SEWA Social Security, remarked, “This collaboration will aid the work of the SEWA Shakti Kendras by encouraging thousands of women workers to more actively participate in their healthcare journey. By offering them secure access to their documents and thereby to the health care that they are eligible for, we are hopeful for improved health outcomes and ultimately a sense of ownership and confidence that will help them achieve economic empowerment and self-reliance.”
Revolutionizing Healthcare Access
Currently, SEWA Shakti Kendras reach nearly 34,000 households, impacting around 200,000 individuals. The manual processes of collecting and validating documents for accessing entitlements will be significantly streamlined with the Digital Health Passport. This will not only reduce errors but also ensure compliance with India’s new Personal Identifiable Information regulations. Blockchain’s robust security features will empower SEWA members to maintain control over their identities, safeguarding their data from unauthorized access and tampering.
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Anil Kakani, VP and India Country Head at Algorand Foundation, said, “India’s large informal workforce routinely faces challenges in accessing the government programs that have been established to meet their basic health care needs. Research shows that these programs help informal women workers stay healthy and able to work. It’s a privilege for us at Algorand to partner with Lok Swasthya SEWA in delivering a blockchain solution that will help improve healthcare access and outcomes for working women and their families. This collaboration highlights the power of blockchain in creating a more inclusive economy and helps deliver on the vision laid out over half a century ago by SEWA’s founder, Ela ben Bhatt.”
Addressing Challenges in Healthcare Accessibility
India has made substantial progress towards universal health coverage through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat program. However, millions in the informal labor force, particularly women, still face significant barriers to accessing these programs. The Digital Health Passport aims to overcome these hurdles, leveraging SEWA Shakti Kendras’ strong position within the community to rapidly enroll members into crucial health and social protection programs.
Blockchain: A Catalyst for Change
The Algorand blockchain will ensure tamper-proof storage and easy retrieval of health data, empowering women to manage their health information effectively. This collaboration between AlgoBharat and Lok Swasthya SEWA exemplifies a powerful real-world application of blockchain technology, highlighting its potential to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
