Mexican Firm Develops Covid-test Certificates Based on Blockchain
A Mexican medical services company has announced it will be using blockchain technology to enhance the efficiency of Covid-19 diagnostic tests. The firm also hopes to use cryptography and real-time auditability to prevent forgery of Covid-19 tests in Mexico.
Blockchain to Fight Covid-19
A report by a local publication stated that MDS, a medical services firm, was using blockchain technology for rapid test application and interpretation service. It could also be used to collect home PCR samples that will react to Covid-19.
The results of these tests are relayed after 24 hours using digital means. They will also be authenticated by blockchain technology to enhance the timeliness and boost the authenticity of the test results.
On its website, MDS has also stated that the process will produce a unique hash linked to each test, and a QR code will be generated. This code will link to a digital certificate with a patient’s details, including the test results, date of the test and the physician who administered the test.
“To avoid the falsification of negative results, we began to certify the SARS-CoV-2 detection tests with blockchain technology and cryptographic signature, which protects the information in a unique, immutable, and unalterable QR Code that can be verified worldwide,” the company stated.
Mexico and Blockchain Technology
Unlike many countries, Mexico is more interested in blockchain technology as compared to cryptocurrencies. Earlier this year, the local Congress of Quintana Roo in Cancun, Mexico, employed the Avalanche blockchain to transform the local public administration record-keeping digitally. The adoption of this blockchain happened in March at the cost of $290,000.
However, last week, the legislative body stated it would not renew the Avalanche contract because the costs outweighed the benefits.
The National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) in Queretaro, Mexico, stated that a digital vaccination passport would soon be available. The firm stated that this digital certificate would be issued in collaboration with Xertify, a blockchain firm, and would allow Mexicans to store their vaccination certificates online at the cost of around 400 pesos.
While the adoption of blockchain technology in Mexico is high, the adoption of cryptocurrencies is still low. The Central Bank of Mexico has barred Banco Azteca, a leading bank, from offering Bitcoin compatibility. The country’s regulators also penalized 12 crypto exchanges for involvement with illegal dealings.
Last week, the Mexican president stated that there was no chance of Bitcoin being used as legal tender in the country.
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