Russia's Ministry of Health Is Launching a Blockchain Pilot

The Russian Ministry of Health is working with one of the country's state-owned banks to explore possible uses of blockchain.

AccessTimeIconAug 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 6:49 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The Russian Ministry of Health is working with one of the country's state-owned banks to explore possible uses of blockchain.

Vnesheconombank (VEB) revealed the partnership last week, which will see the development bank and the Health Ministry exploring how the tech could be used to exchange patient history. It further cited a mandate from the government to create a new interagency data-sharing system – suggesting that this could be one area in which Russian officials apply blockchain.

The bank also revealed that it will launch a "Centre of Competencies" through which it will study possible blockchain applications.

Sergey Gorkov, chairman of VEB, said in a statement:

"The Centre will engage in the development of private blockchain using the concerted efforts of the VEB team and an international professional team capable of accomplishing the tasks set by the Ministry of Health. In its turn, the Ministry is to define areas of blockchain application. To ensure greater consistency of work, we invite the Ministry of Health to join the blockchain working group."

VEB revealed its plans to develop a host of products and services around blockchain earlier this summer. Reports from this week that indicate that the bank is also testing ethereum for charity payments.

In statements to local media, Gorkov pointed to the need to modernize as one of the driving factors behind its work with the tech.

"When we started to think about how to manage projects efficiently, we realized that there is no platform," he said. "We realized that the blockchain is a good fundamental and qualitative platform for the future."

Image via Shutterstock

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.