What is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA Card) and what are its benefits?

Carrying all your past medical reports while visiting a doctor can be rather cumbersome. Wouldn’t it be a lot easier if you had all your medical information stored digitally instead? With this in mind, the Government of India launched a digital health ID card called the “Ayushman Bharat Health Account” (ABHA) card. Read ahead to know more about the card and its benefits.

What is Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA) Health ID?

On September 27th, 2021, the Government of India initiated the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM). The goal of this mission was to provide all the citizens of India with a digital health ID that will facilitate easy access to medical records. This ID is a 14-digit identification number that can be used from anywhere in India. Thus, you can share your health information with medical professionals across India without any geographical barriers.

ABHA digital health ID.ndhm.gov.in card online apply 2022

This table highlights crucial details related to the online application for ABHA digital health ID.

What does ABDM seek to achieve?

Healthcare has seen rapid digitisation in recent years. This has significantly helped the healthcare industry to save, access and assess medical information more efficiently. However, since there are multiple players offering this facility, the scope of storage and sharing of health information is limited. Thus, ABDM seeks to provide a standardised system to facilitate access and sharing of medical information across India called the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE).

Why do you need to create an ABHA digital health ID card?

Carrying medical reports with you every time you visit the hospital can be a hassle. It can also be challenging to keep track of your medical history. An ABHA digital health ID card solves these issues by storing all your medical information in one place. So, you can share your ID number with medical professionals like doctors and insurers and they can view your medical information instantly.

Benefits of ABHA health ID

You can avail of the following benefits if you register and download an ABHA health ID card.

• You can access all your medical information like tests, diagnoses, medicine prescriptions, etc, with just a few clicks.

• You can share your medical records easily with hospitals, clinics, doctors, etc. Thus, you can get medical care even in new localities.

• You can access the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR) which is a compilation of the details of all the doctors in India.

• You can also access the Health Facility Registry (HFR) which is a list of all the government and private medical facilities in India.

• This card is valid in AYUSH treatment facilities too. Treatments include Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.

How to Apply for ABHA health ID card registration online

Primarily, there are two ways you can apply for ABHA health ID card registration online. Namely through Aadhaar Card or Driving Licence. Let’s discuss both these methods briefly.

Via Aadhaar

You can use your Aadhaar to register for an ABHA health ID, provided it is linked to your mobile number. This is required for OTP authentication. If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, you can seek assistance from an ABDM participating facility. 

Via Driving Licence

If you use your Driving Licence, you will only obtain an enrollment number from the ABDM portal. After that, you have to take your driving licence to a nearby ABDM participating facility to get your identity verified. Once that is completed, your ABHA health ID will be generated.

Documents required for ABHA registration

Online registration for ABHA registration usually does not require the submission of any physical documents. However, you may be required to input the following information to generate your ABHA ID.

• Mobile number

• Aadhar number

• PAN number

• Driving Licence number (only for generating an enrollment number)

How to generate/create your Ayushman Bharat Health Account number (health card ID)

Your ABHA health ID card can be availed online in the following ways.

• Through the official website (@healthid.ndhm.gov.in)

• Through the ABHA mobile application

• Through other third-party applications like Paytm

• Some health centres may offer the facilities and assistance for online registration

Steps to generate your Ayushman Bharat Health Account number

The steps to generate your Ayushman Bharat Health Account number are very simple and the entire process may take only around 10 minutes to complete. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Visit the official NDHM website or download and open the ABHA mobile app.

Step 2: Click on the tab titled “Go to create my ABHA number”.

Step 3: Enter either your driving licence, Aadhaar or PAN number.

Step 4: An OTP will be sent to the respective registered mobile number, which has to be inputed.

Step 5: After that, you will be asked to enter your mobile number and you will receive an OTP on your phone to verify it.

Step 6: Once your mobile number is confirmed, a National Health Authority form page will load. In that, you will have to enter personal details like your name, age, gender, email id, etc.

Step 7: After submitting your responses, you will be able to download your ABHA ID. Using those credentials you can log in and avail of all the services offered under ABHA.

Also, check; 6 Important Benefits Of Having A Health Insurance Card

How to download ABHA digital health ID card online

Downloading your ABHA digital health ID card can be done once the registration is completed. The following are the two simple steps you need to follow to download your ABHA health card online.

Step 1: Visit the NDHM official website or ABHA mobile app and log in to your personal account.

Step 2: Then, locate your ABHA ID card and click on the download option.

To sum up

Obtaining an ABHA card can significantly improve your access to medical care. It will help you to find health centres and medical professionals and also share your medical records seamlessly with doctors across India. You can also securely save your medical data and grant access to medical professionals as and when needed. Thus, having an ABHA card can improve your overall healthcare experience.

Frequently asked questions

This section answers some of the frequently asked questions regarding ABHA card registration and its benefits. Read ahead to get some of your queries answered.

Are Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and National Digital Health Mission different?

No, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and National Digital Health Mission are not different. They are the same. The National Digital Health Mission was initiated on August 15, 2020. However, it covered only six union territories. Its nationwide launch was carried out under the name “Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission” on 27th September 2021.

What are the eligibility criteria to register for an ABHA card?

If you are a citizen of India, you are eligible to register to obtain an ABHA card.

What is the cost involved in getting an ABHA card?

Registering and obtaining an ABHA card is completely free. There are no costs involved! All you need is a smartphone or computer with a working internet connection.

Is it compulsory to register for an ABHA card?

No, it is not compulsory to register for an ABHA card.

Who can access my health information?

The health information you submit will be completely confidential and saved securely. Only you will be able to grant access to medical professionals. It works strictly on a consent basis.

How do I download the ABHA app?

You can download the ABHA app on Google Play Store from your android phone by visiting https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.ndhm.phr.

Is it possible to revoke access to my health data after access has been granted?

Yes, you can revoke access to your medical information via the ABHA mobile app. Once access is denied by you, your medical information will not be visible to the health professionals.

What are the modes of language available on the ABHA mobile app?

Currently, only English and Hindi languages are available on the ABHA mobile app. However, according to the ABDM website, more languages will be added soon.

How do I troubleshoot problems on the ABHA mobile app or ABDM website?

If you face any issues, you can share the same at https://grievance.abdm.gov.in/. Alternatively, you can call ABDM’s 24x7 assistance number 1800-11-4477 / 14477. Once a grievance is lodged, a unique application number will be generated. You can use this number to track your complaint on the ABDM Grievance redressal portal.

What if I am not satisfied with the outcome of the grievance resolution process?

Once your grievance has been lodged, it will be sent to the concerned team to be resolved. If the outcome of the resolution is not satisfactory, there is an option to reopen the case.

How long will it take for my grievance to be resolved?

As per the Health Data Management policy, the turnaround time to address grievances is 30 days.

What does Healthcare Professionals Registry refer to?

Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) is a comprehensive compilation of the details of all the health care professionals under modern and traditional forms of healthcare in India. Here, healthcare professionals include doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc.

What does the Health Facility Registry refer to?

Health Facility Registry (HFR) refers to a comprehensive compilation of all the government and private healthcare facilities in India. Here, healthcare facilities include clinics, diagnostic centres, hospitals, etc.

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