In the modern era of digital healthcare, the exchange and storage of medical data have become increasingly prevalent due to the widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine services. While this transition enhances efficiency and accessibility, it also exposes sensitive medical information to significant security risks. Unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks pose serious threats to patient confidentiality and the integrity of healthcare systems. 

While AES is known for its speed and resistance to brute-force attacks, its vulnerability to side-channel attacks and implementation flaws in some scenarios poses a concern. DES, although less robust than AES in its original form, has a simple and fast encryption mechanism. Combining these two algorithms in a hybrid approach can mitigate individual weaknesses and improve overall encryption strength.