It is a busy job to keep track of your sicknesses and years of medical records. When you go for your checkup, you must bring everything. Wouldn't it be ideal if all of this information could be accessed with a single click in one location? The Indian government resolved this.

The Central Government of India is also taking steps to digitize the healthcare system in light of the world going digital. The Government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to accomplish this. The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), or ABDM, was first tested for a year in six Union Territories. It aims to provide the integrated digital health infrastructure with the necessary foundation. Additionally, it supports Universal Health Coverage securely and effectively. Digital consultation and the storage or accesses to medical records are among the amenities provided by this initiative.

The Central Government introduced the ABHA Card, formerly the Digital Health Card or health ID card, under ABDM. Now, use of a health id card, you can safely digitally store your medical history with the support of an ABHA card.

What is Ayushman Bharat Health Account?

Ayushman Bharat Health account or ABHA health card is a 14-digit number unique health ID that is used to identify people, substantiate them, and tie all their health records (only with the concerned person's consent) across various hospitals, the health insurance company or health centre.

The Indian government issued a health insurance card called the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). Indian citizens living below the poverty line are covered by health insurance. Using their ABDM health ID, cardholders can get free medical care at any government hospital or health centre in India. The ABHA health card ID holder is also entitled to discounts on medications and other medical expenses.

In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Yojana, and nearly 10 crore families signed up for it. A person can take advantage of health benefits worth up to Rs 5 lakh with this health card ID.

Who can get an ABHA Card?

Anyone with a valid AADHAR card, Driving license, or PAN card can obtain an ABHA card. When "Digital India" is followed by the entire nation, it is only necessary that the healthcare sector also participates. The healthcare industry has been rapidly digitizing over the past few years. It has simplified healthcare and medical information evaluation, storage, and access.

Many organizations offer this method, but it is difficult to become familiar with most of them. As a result, the Indian government has developed a uniform standard platform for the entire country. This program's primary objective is to make it simple for everyone in all states to access and store their medical records. The National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE) is the common name for this. All they need to know is your abdm health ID card; they will have access to your medical history.

How does ABHA work?

The Ayushman Bharat Health Mission is another name for the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated the mission to provide India with the necessary support for integrating digital health infrastructure.

The NDHM, which manages consent, is linked to digital health identification. The digital platform will require the patient's consent before allowing the personal health information from the Personal Health Records module to flow seamlessly through digital highways. The ABHA card contains the patient's demographic information, medical history, and other health records.

The unique health ID on the card enables healthcare providers to access the patient's medical information and get an update on the patient's condition. The ABHA card is available in two versions: physical and virtual. The physical card will be provided to all the beneficiaries who are participating in the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, and the virtual card can be downloaded from the ABHA website or mobile application.

The NDHM performs the majority of these tasks.

A mobile app will provide you with details about doctors and information about health services. The digital health ID holder's medical treatment information is recorded and stored digitally. Medical records like x-rays and other diagnostic reports are kept in the holder's account for future reference. Doctors can access the patient's diagnostic reports, treatments, and other medical files through the app. Additionally, doctors have the option to register as Digi Doctors and use their digital signatures. Anyone can sign up for a digital health card on their own.

Benefits of ABHA Card

• Digitized Health Records: The ABHA health card allows users to access digital health records for free. Linking their personal health records (PHRs) to the ABHA mobile app makes it possible for users to keep track of their health record history.
• Voluntary Activation and De-activation: ABHA makes easy opt-in and opt-out features possible.
• Consent and Security: Health ID cards have improved encryption and security mechanisms. On ABHA, health records are never shared without the account holder's permission.
• Personal Health Records: One of the benefits of a national health card ID is that users are able to link the ABHA number to all of their healthcare benefits, including insurance and public health programs.
• Easy Access: Even if you live in a different city or state, you can easily present your medical records with your digital unique health ID.
• Access to Doctors: The platform makes sharing your medical records with clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies simple.
• Discounts and Benefits: ABHA cardholders are eligible for Health Insurance benefits and discounts. They can avail of health benefits worth up to Rs.5 lakh with Ayushman Bharat health cards.
• Doctor Network: ABHA allows users to connect to their network of doctors. This enables users to search for the best doctor for their needs and compare fees and services on the platform.
• Digital Footprint: The digital health card allows users to leave a digital footprint, making it easier for doctors and hospitals to share information about their health history with other healthcare providers.
• Telemedicine and Online Consultation: Through the ABHA platform, users can avail of services like telemedicine and online consultation. This allows users to seek medical advice from the comfort of their homes.
  These are a few health ID benefits that you can take by using a unique health ID card.

How to create ABHA Card?

You can generate your ABHA health card using your Aadhaar card, mobile number or even your Driving license.

• Let's check how to create an ABHA card using your Aadhaar.
• To start, go to the Eka care or ABHA official website.
• Now click on create your health ID (ABHA card).
• Now, click on "Generate your Aadhaar."
• Then scroll down a little, click "I agree" and "Submit."
• Now enter the OTP and again click "Submit."
• Then, type your mobile number and click on "Submit."
• Now, all the details that have been procured from your Aadhaar card will be shown.
• Verify the details and click on the "Submit" button.
• You will get an option to create an ABHA address like an email ID.
• Once everything is done, you can go for your health id card download.

The eka care health ID will make an easy-to-use online platform that will also be innocuous and keep personal health information private. In addition, the Government of India wants to meaningfully enhance the country's healthcare quality and diminish the likelihood of medical errors that could have been avoided with this initiative.

Conclusion

The introduction of the ABHA health ID card is a major step forward towards ushering in a digital era for healthcare. It will help to simplify the process of storing and exchanging medical information in the country. It will also help to provide better access to quality healthcare by enabling doctors and hospitals to access and exchange patient information easily. The ndhm health ID card will help to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure better healthcare for all citizens of India. These are some health is card benefits as well.

FAQ-

What is ABHA Health ID?

Individuals can manage their health records by creating an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) under ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission). It is a 14-digit number that is used to authenticate individuals, thread their health records, and uniquely identify them.

Are my health records safe and secure?

NDHM does not keep your medical records. Your health records are stored with healthcare information providers in accordance with their retention policies. They are only shared over the NDHM network with your explicit consent using encryption mechanisms.

How much does an ABHA card cost?

You can create your unique ABHA without any cost. There is no need to pay any amount for getting your ABHA card. Be assured to receive your ABHA card free of cost.

Is it necessary to register for an ABHA card?

No, registering for an ABHA card is not required. However, to take advantage of the program's benefits, you must apply for an ABHA card. Registering is easy, and you can do it in person or online.