Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

Key takeaways

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at digitalizing the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
• ABDM is a government-backed plan that enables all Indian citizens to keep their health records using Ayushman Bharat Digital Health ID Card.
• The digitization of healthcare records raises concerns about the privacy and security of patient data.
• The NDHM aims to create a digital infrastructure for healthcare delivery that will connect all stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and other healthcare entities.

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is an initiative implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA). With this initiative, the Government of India aims to significantly increase the efficiency of the digital health infrastructure of the country. Digital health infrastructure refers to the applications of technology in the field of medicine and healthcare to increase the effectiveness and transparency of the system.

Many areas, such as finance, education, and commerce, have benefitted from digitalization, highlighting its importance in the field of medicine. Ayushman Digital Mission aims to strengthen India’s digital health ecosystem to support all Indian citizens by providing them with Ayushman Digital Health IDs.

Here is everything you need to know about the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission registration and the benefits of this plan.

What is Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a government-backed plan that enables all Indian citizens to keep their health records using Ayushman Bharat Digital Health ID Card. While all Indian citizens are eligible for the scheme, participation is entirely voluntary. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Health ID Card linked to your account contains all your digital health-related data such as diseases, tests, medicines are taken, diagnosis of the conditions, etc.

What are the Features of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is an ambitious initiative launched by the Government of India to transform the healthcare sector in the country by leveraging the power of technology. The mission aims to create a digital health infrastructure that will improve the access, affordability, and quality of healthcare services for all citizens, especially those living in rural and remote areas.

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has several key features that make it a game-changer in the healthcare sector. Let’s take a closer look at some of these features:

Health ID

One of the most significant features of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is the creation of a unique health ID for each citizen. This health ID will be a digital repository of an individual’s health records, including medical history, prescriptions, lab reports, and other health-related information. The health ID will allow patients to access their medical records from anywhere and healthcare providers to access the patient’s medical history and provide better care.

Personal Health Records (PHRs)

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will enable citizens to create and maintain their own Personal Health Records (PHRs). PHRs will allow individuals to keep track of their health and medical records, including vaccinations, allergies, chronic conditions, and other relevant information. PHRs can be accessed by patients and healthcare providers, making it easier for doctors to provide personalized care.

Telemedicine

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will also promote the use of telemedicine, which is the delivery of healthcare services through digital channels. Telemedicine will enable patients to consult with doctors remotely, which is especially important for those living in remote and rural areas where healthcare facilities are limited. The mission aims to create a robust telemedicine infrastructure that will connect patients with healthcare providers across the country.

Health Stack

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will create a digital infrastructure called the Health Stack, which will integrate various health-related systems and services. It will include the National Health Stack, which will be a collection of digital health platforms, applications, and services that will be made available to citizens, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

Health Analytics

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will also leverage the power of health analytics to improve healthcare services. Health analytics involves the use of data analysis tools to identify patterns and insights that can help healthcare providers improve the quality of care. The mission aims to create a robust health analytics framework that will enable healthcare providers to make data-driven decisions and improve the quality of care.

What are the Benefits and Related Concerns of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

The benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are numerous, including improved healthcare access and outcomes, enhanced efficiency and cost savings, increased transparency and accountability, and the creation of new employment opportunities. However, the initiative also raises concerns about data privacy and security, the digital divide, and the potential for bias in algorithmic decision-making. Here are some of the benefits and challenges of the ABDM.

Benefits

• The scheme helps to transfer medical data efficiently in digital form.
• Patients will have their medical records in digital forms, such as tests, diagnoses of medicines, prescriptions, etc. This not only helps the patients to keep their data secured and handy but also helps the doctors to provide appropriate treatment.
• Medical professionals across various disciplines, such as public and government practitioners, hospitals, doctors, etc., will have access to the patient’s medical records. This enables them to study and treat patients more effectively and conveniently.
• The scheme is also essential to make policymakers and the government aware of the overall health of the citizens. This will enable them to take appropriate steps toward the betterment of the Indian healthcare system.
• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission can significantly improve the overall management of the healthcare system and medical research. Hence, ABDM can potentially maintain a healthy loop between the government, patients, providers, and researchers.

Related Concerns

• The success of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission depends on the availability of a robust and reliable technical infrastructure. The government will need to invest heavily in the development of digital infrastructure to support the program’s implementation.
• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission may not be accessible to citizens who do not have access to digital devices or internet connectivity. The government will need to address this issue by providing access to digital devices and internet connectivity in remote and rural areas.
• The success of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission depends on the availability of a skilled workforce to implement and maintain the digital infrastructure necessary for the delivery of healthcare services. The government will need to invest in training and capacity-building programs to develop a skilled workforce.
• The digitization of healthcare records raises concerns about the privacy and security of patient data. There is a risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to patient records, which could compromise patient privacy.
• The implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is expected to face several challenges, including resistance from healthcare professionals, lack of awareness among citizens, and coordination challenges between different stakeholders.

How to Register and Apply for Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?

Creating an Ayushman digital health id is the beginning of your journey for the ABDM. ABHA or Ayushman Bharat Health Account is essential to apply for the scheme. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission registration is a simple process that involves the following steps:

1. For enrolling on the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission website, log in to the official website of the ABDM https://hpr.abdm.gov.in/en to generate a health ID.

2. Click on the link available for new registration.

3. You can generate your health ID using the documents such as the AADHAR card.

4. Enter your AADHAR number, which is linked to your contact number.

5. Verify your AADHAR by confirming the OTP received on your linked contact number.

6. Once the verification is done, you can enter your name and a password to login in the future.

7. Now that your ID is generated, you can fill in your personal, professional, and academic details, contact information, etc. You can also add your URL for telecommunication.

8. You can preview your details and make the necessary changes if required.

Is Ayushman Bharat’s digital mission compulsory?

Ayushman Bharat is a national healthcare scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018. It aims to provide healthcare coverage to around ₹10 crore families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) belonging to the economically weaker sections of society.

The scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest healthcare scheme and is a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in India.

Ayushman Bharat is not just a healthcare scheme; it is also a digital mission. The scheme’s digital mission aims to use technology to streamline and improve the delivery of healthcare services across the country. The digital mission comprises a range of initiatives such as electronic health records, telemedicine, health information exchange, and health analytics.

The question arises whether Ayushman Bharat’s digital mission is compulsory for beneficiaries. The answer is no. The digital mission is not compulsory for beneficiaries. However, it is highly recommended as it offers several benefits to the beneficiaries.

What is the purpose of the National Digital Health Mission?

The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) is an ambitious initiative launched by the Indian government to digitize the country’s healthcare system. The mission aims to leverage digital technologies to enable universal health coverage, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, and empower citizens to manage their health and wellness.

The NDHM has three primary objectives

Create a National Digital Health Ecosystem

The NDHM aims to create a digital infrastructure for healthcare delivery that will connect all stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and other healthcare entities. The ecosystem will include a range of digital tools such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and e-pharmacy services. The goal is to provide a seamless and integrated healthcare experience for patients while improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.

Provide Universal Health Coverage

The NDHM aims to provide universal health coverage to all citizens by creating a digital health ID for each individual. The health ID will contain the person’s medical history, including diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions, and will be linked to their Aadhaar number. This will enable patients to access their health records from anywhere, at any time, and share them with healthcare providers when necessary.

Empower Citizens

The NDHM aims to empower citizens to manage their health and wellness by providing them with access to a range of digital health services. These services will include teleconsultations, e-pharmacy services, and health and wellness apps. The goal is to promote preventive healthcare and early intervention by encouraging citizens to take an active role in managing their health.

Conclusion

A government-backed scheme, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is a voluntary and beneficial plan for Indian citizens to bridge the gap between different components of the healthcare system. The digital account contains the patient’s medical history, which benefits the patient and the hospital in providing efficient treatment. One can have access to their medical records to improve their health significantly, which in turn contributes to the better health status of the country. Registering on the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission website and maintaining the digital account is free of cost and hassle-free. Hence, ABDM takes care of the citizen’s health through an ecosystem by keeping all the health stakeholders in a feedback loop through its ecosystem. Such healthcare infrastructure is the need of the hour!