What is The Meaning of ABHA?

ABHA: Your Gateway to Secure Digital Health Records

ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is a unique health account number or card that consolidates a person's medical history. Not only will such individuals get hassle-free access to their historical medical information. It will save individuals from the complicated, time-consuming, and risky task of storing previous clinical details in paper form.

Nobody ever misplaces their health record. Instead of carrying heavy files of medical documents, individuals could access their health records at their fingertips from any corner of the world.   

Yes, it is possible. With your ABHA, you can have safe, secure, and seamless access to medical records digitally. Also, you can share it 24*7 with your doctor to get a diagnosis.  

What is the ABHA Card?

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account scheme was initiated by the National Health Authority (NHA). This scheme is also a part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2021 to provide a digital health ID to all Indian citizens. The government launched ABHA under AB-PMJDY, also known as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.    

The Indian government designed ABHA to manage financial documents and cashless transactions for healthcare services.

How ABHA Transforms Healthcare in India?

ABHA is a digital revolution of the Indian healthcare system. It is an account or number used to identify and authenticate a person and share their medical records across multiple stakeholders and systems. Individuals with Indian citizenship can apply for ABHA, and it will develop a trustworthy and strong identity for them to be accepted across India.  

This digital health account intends to develop a digital health ecosystem and promote digitalisation throughout medical activities. ABHA targets economically weaker sections or families to provide them with financial assistance related to their healthcare needs.

 The information table below covers important details that you need to read once for the application of this health account:

Why Was the ABHA Digital Health Card Introduced?

ABHA's goal is to create, develop, and strengthen the integrated digital health infrastructure in India. This may help to bridge the existing gap among healthcare ecosystem stakeholders with digital facilities.

The Government of India launched ABHA to provide an efficient, seamless financial framework for implementing Ayushman Bharat. This digital health card ensures accountability, accessibility, and transparency of funds allocated for healthcare activities.  

Key Features of ABHA Card

The ABHA card includes a unique 14-digit number to secure clinical records and facilitates digital access to medical services. More detailed features are listed below.

● Electronic Health Records: It integrates electronic medical records with the retrieval and storage of patient information. This process streamlines healthcare deliveries and maintains informative records. 

● Cashless Transaction Facility: The ABHA card permits cashless transactions for eligible people seeking treatment. It reduces stress or financial burden on ABHA beneficiaries during any medical emergency.  

● Real-time Monitoring: This digital card enables a real-time monitoring mechanism for tracking detailed information on fund utilisation. This ensures the efficiency of existing resources. The information tracking feature helps to optimise resource distributions and eliminate misuse of resources.

● Portability: ABHA cards or numbers are portable across several healthcare providers enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Also, this portability feature allows you to access your documents from different cities, states, or countries.  

● Accountability and Transparency: Digital activities enhance accountability and transparency in the Indian healthcare system. Individual ABHA beneficiaries are allowed to use financial resources for intended medical purposes, thus reducing the chances of corruption.   

ABHA is a part of ABDM. It plays a significant role in integrating the entire Indian healthcare system with digital facilities. This healthcare initiative registers health records in a paperless manner and offers seamless, cost-free health services to economically weaker people. With growing digitalisation, ABHA is key to moving forward towards portable, real-time monitoring and hassle-free health record systems.