Over the past decade, technology has transformed the world, and the public health sector is finally catching up. It’s embracing innovation, and honestly, it’s long overdue and when it comes to building a public health software platform in Canada, selecting the right tech stack is crucial. The tech stack refers to the combination of programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and tools that developers use to create and run applications.

With the growing emphasis on digital health solutions, it’s essential to consider various factors, including the specific needs of public health, scalability, security, and user experience. Here’s how to evaluate and select the most effective tech stack for your public health software platform.

First, let’s talk about the core components of your tech stack. At its most basic level, a tech stack is divided into two main parts: the frontend (client-side) and the backend (server-side). The frontend is what users interact with, while the backend is where the data processing happens. For a public health platform, you’ll want a frontend that is user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of users, from health professionals to the general public.

Why Choosing the Right Tech Stack Matters

The right stack helps ensure:

• High performance and speed
• A smooth and user-friendly experience
• Strong security, especially for personal health info

For the frontend, popular frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js are excellent choices. React, developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), is particularly favoured for its flexibility and performance. It enables the creation of dynamic user interfaces capable of handling complex data visualisations, which are essential for presenting health statistics and trends effectively (Agrawal, 2024).

Angular, backed by Google, offers a comprehensive framework for building robust applications quickly. For a more straightforward approach, Vue.js is lightweight and integrates easily with existing projects.

On the backend, developers can choose from a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Node.js stands out as a popular option, as it enables JavaScript to be used across both the frontend and backend, creating a seamless development experience. It’s especially well-suited for applications requiring real-time data processing, such as monitoring disease outbreaks or managing patient records (Gadhiya, 2025).

Alternatively, Python with Django is a powerful combination. Python is known for its simplicity and readability, making it a great choice for rapid development and prototyping.

Not Every Public Health App is the Same

Every public health platform is built for a different purpose, so your tech stack should reflect

that. For example:

• An app for newcomers to find local therapists needs features that support community access, language preferences, and location tools.
• An app for training mental health professionals will need modules for courses, assessments, and possibly secure messaging between mentors and learners.

Different goals mean different users, and different users mean different technical needs, so the tech stack must be tailored accordingly

Another essential aspect of the tech stack is the database. Public health applications often deal with large amounts of data, so selecting the right database is paramount. Relational databases like PostgreSQL or MySQL are solid choices for structured data, while NoSQL databases like MongoDB are better suited for unstructured or semi-structured data.

If the application requires complex queries and transactions, a relational database might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you need to handle diverse data types and scale quickly, a NoSQL solution could be more appropriate.

Security is another critical factor when building a public health software platform. Given the sensitivity of health data, it’s vital to implement robust security measures from the ground up.

This involves implementing secure coding practices, encrypting data both at rest and in transit, and ensuring compliance with regulations such as Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). It’s important to note that each Canadian province has its own laws governing the handling of personal health data.

According to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, at the federal level, there’s PIPEDA (the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). This law sets out how private organisations must collect, use, and share personal data. Under PIPEDA:

• You must get clear consent from users
• You need to have strong data protection measures
• You must be transparent about how information is stored and shared

Therefore, Frameworks such as Spring Security for Java or Express.js middleware for Node.js can help you implement authentication and authorisation features effectively.

Scalability is a critical consideration. As your platform expands and more users begin to engage with it, your tech stack must be equipped to handle increased traffic and data loads. Cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure offer flexible infrastructure that can scale alongside your growth. These providers deliver a range of services, from secure storage to machine learning tools, enabling you to integrate advanced features like predictive analytics into your public health application.

User experience (UX) is outstanding in public health software. The design should be intuitive and accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Prioritising UX involves not just the visual design but also the overall functionality of the application. Implementing responsive design ensures that your platform is usable across different devices, whether on a desktop or mobile. Tools like Figma or Adobe XD can help you create prototypes and gather user feedback before launching the final product.

Lastly, consider the community and support around the technologies you choose. Opting for popular frameworks and languages often means a larger community and more resources available for troubleshooting and development. Open-source projects can also provide valuable insights and tools that can accelerate your development process.

In conclusion, choosing the right tech stack for your public health software platform in Canada involves careful consideration of various factors, including the specific needs of your users, the data you’ll be handling, security requirements, and scalability. By selecting the right combination of frontend and backend technologies, databases, and cloud services, you can create a robust platform that effectively addresses public health challenges. Remember to prioritise user experience and stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in the field. With the right tech stack, your public health software can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of communities across Canada.