Google Summer of Code 2021: Healthcare Apps on FHIR

Francis Odhiambo

June 24, 2021

We are underway in the Google Summer of Code 2021, in partnership with Google to build the Android FHIR SDK powering next-generation offline-capable, mobile-first healthcare apps using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (commonly referred to as FHIR and pronounced ‘Fire’). FHIR is a standard describing data formats and elements and an application programming interface for exchanging electronic health records.

Indeed, the GSOC program started at an opportune time as we embarked on our FHIR journey. Our mentee developers have been working with Ona and Google teams to create new features and configurable widgets, enhance extraction of FHIR resources, and build foundational support for International Patient Summary profiles. Most of the developers (who have all been highly motivated and enthusiastic) come from LMIC regions, where the apps will be used to improve critical maternal and child healthcare.