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Digital health ID card: How to apply online and check registration and benefits

Team AckoNov 29, 2023

Digitisation has revolutionised the way we transact and do business in India. And, the healthcare ecosystem is not far behind in embracing technology and digitised healthcare.

In an effort to digitise the healthcare system in the country, the Central Government has launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) or National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).

The mission’s objective is to issue digital health ID cards for all citizens in the country and to help hospitals, insurance providers, and health ID cardholders access health records online in a secure and safe environment. Through this article, you learn how to apply for a digital health ID online and its benefits.

Contents

What is a digital health ID card?
How does NDHM work?
Why do you need to create a digital health ID card?
Benefits of digital health ID card
How to apply for NDHM health ID card registration online?
- Digital health ID card registration online process
Documents required for NDHM registration
How to download a digital health ID card online?
How to deactivate my health ID card?
What is ABHA?
What are the advantages of having the Health Card?
How to Create Health ID Card Online?
Who can get the ABHA health card?
Frequently Asked Questions about Health ID

What is a digital health ID card?

The digital health ID card, is a digital identification card having identifying data (such as health records) about the cardholder. The health ID card is utilised for a hassle-free procedure to digitally access and share the cardholder’s health records.

Who can apply

Anyone interested in creating a digital health ID and wishes to have their medical records available electronically should create a digital ID card.

What is it

The digital health ID is a randomly generated unique 14-digit number utilised for identifying individuals, verifying them, and accessing their health records (only with their consent) across different healthcare stakeholders and systems.

How to apply

The health ID is created by using a person’s basic details and Aadhaar or mobile number. Through this digital ID, cardholders have the option to link all of their health records digitally.

How does it work

The card enables the cardholder to interact with verified health service providers and healthcare professionals and receive medical prescriptions, lab reports, and diagnoses.

How does NDHM work?

NDHM or National Digital Health Mission is otherwise known as the Ayushman Bharat Health Mission. The mission was formulated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to provide the required assistance for the integration of digital health infrastructure in India.

The digital health identification is linked to the NDHM that acts as a consent manager. The digital platform will ask for the patient’s permission and allow a seamless flow of personal health details from the Personal Health Records module through digital highways.

Here are the main functions of the NDHM.

Your information related to health services shall be provided through a mobile app along with the details of doctors.
All details related to the medical treatment of the digital health cardholder is recorded and stored digitally.
Medical documents such as x-rays and other diagnostic reports are stored in the holder’s account for future reference.
Doctors can access the diagnostic reports, treatments and other medical files of the person through the app.
Doctors can also register as Digi Doctors along with the facility of their digital signatures.
Anyone can voluntarily register for a digital health card.

Why do you need to create a digital health ID card?

The digital health ID card makes it easier to securely access, share and manage your medical records digitally. With a digital health card, your medical records are stored in a secure and safe environment compared to physical or traditional medical documents.

Here are some of the advantages of a digital health ID card.

Access your digital card easily through the mobile app.
Manage and share relevant records to participating facilities, healthcare professionals, and healthcare centres.
Option to deactivate/delete the digital health ID.
Personal medical records are easily accessible, reliable in a secure environment.

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

Benefits of digital health ID card

Here are the benefits of an NDHM ID card.

Digital health records: Access your health records that have the tracks from admission to treatment and discharge. All this in a paperless experience.
Personal Health Records (PHR): Option to link your PHR with the digital health ID to generate long-term health history.
Access to Digi Doctors: The health ID enables access to verified Digi Doctors in a secure environment.
Secure and private: The digital platform is developed with strong security and encryption mechanisms. Your consent is required every time your PHR is being accessed.
Consent based access: Only after your informed consent, your health data is shared with relevant participants. You also have the option to manage and revoke consent.
Easy signup process: You can create your health ID card using only your basic details along with your Aadhaar or mobile number.
Voluntary opt-in and opt-out: There is no compulsion to apply for a health ID card. You can participate at your own will, and it is voluntary. You can also opt-out and request to erase your data anytime.

How to apply for NDHM health ID card registration online?

You can apply for the health ID in different ways.

Through the ACKO App
Through the Health ID website
Through the ABHA mobile application
Participating health facilities (public/private hospitals, health and wellness centres, and community health centres

Digital health ID card registration online process

You can generate your digital health ID card by using your Aadhaar, Driving Licence or mobile number.

Via Aadhaar

Here are the steps to apply online for an NDHM health card 2021 through your Aadhaar number.

Step 1: Visit the NDHM official website (https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in/) and select “Generate ID”.
Step 2: Select “Generate via Aadhaar”, and enter your Aadhaar number on the new page and click on submit.
Step 3: An One Time Password (OTP) is sent to your registered mobile number that needs to be entered in the required field.
Step 4: Enter your personal information and choose a username and password to create your digital ID.
Step 5: Log into your account with the newly created username and password again, and provide your address.
Step 6: Download your digital health ID card for future reference.

Via Driving Licence

Here are the steps to apply online for an NDHM health card 2021 through your Driving Licence (DL).

Step 1: Visit the NDHM official website (https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in/) and select “Generate ID”.
Step 2: Select “Generate via Driving Licence”. A popup window informs you that once you submit the details, you will receive an enrolment number.

You need to take your enrolment number to a nearby participating facility and get your digital health ID. However, if you need the health ID immediately, you can generate the ID through your Aadhaar number.

Via Mobile Number

If you don’t want to use your Aadhaar or DL to generate your health ID card, you can still generate the digital health ID via your mobile number.

Step 1: Visit the NDHM official website (https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in/) and select “Generate ID”.
Step 2: There is an option to generate the health ID if you don’t have any IDs or don’t want to use IDs. Select “Click here”.
Step 3: Enter your mobile number to generate an OTP, and enter the OTP in the required field.
Step 4: Enter your personal information and choose a username and password to create your digital health ID.
Step 5: Log into your account with the newly created username and password and provide your address.
Step 6: Download your digital health ID card for future reference.

Documents required for NDHM registration

There is no need for the submission of physical documents to apply for the digital health ID card. You need to provide any of the following IDs to generate your health ID.

Aadhaar number
Mobile number
Driving Licence (for generating the enrolment number)

Eligibility criteria:

Anyone who wishes to participate in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is eligible to apply for the health ID. There are no specific criteria to generate a health ID card.

How to download a digital health ID card online?

Once you have successfully registered yourself for the health ID, you can download the digital health ID card. Here are the steps to download the health ID card online.

Step 1: Log in to your account through the website or mobile app, use your health ID number and date of birth, and click on submit.
Step 2: Select your ID card and click on “Download Health ID Card” to download your ID card.

How to deactivate my health ID card?

The health ID card is voluntary, and you can also opt out of the programme and reactivate it when required. Here are the steps to deactivate/delete digital health ID.

Step 1: Log in with your health ID or PHR and your date of birth and click on submit.
Step 2: You need to generate an OTP with your Aadhaar or mobile number or use the password you set to log in to your account.
Step 3: Post login, click on “My Account” and select “Deactivate/Delete Health ID” (Deactivation of health ID is temporary, and your account will not be closed; however, you can choose to delete the health ID) and click on “Continue” to delete or deactivate your health ID.

What is ABHA?

What exactly is an ABHA account? Well, as of September 27th, 2021, the Indian Government initiated the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM). The mission's aim? To provide every Indian with a digital health ID, known as the Ayushmann Bharat Health Account ABHA Card. Imagine it as a 14-digit superpower, granting you access to your medical records anytime, anywhere across India. Now, sharing your health information with doctors across the nation becomes effortless, regardless of the distance.

What are the advantages of having the Health Card?

Here is a list of benefits you get for creating your Health Card.

Effortless Medical History Retrieval: Retrieve your entire medical history, including test results and prescriptions, with just a few clicks.
Seamless Sharing: Easily share your medical records with hospitals, clinics, and doctors, ensuring smooth care even when you're in unfamiliar locations.
Comprehensive Doctor Information: Explore the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR) for detailed information on doctors across India.
Find Medical Facilities: Access the Health Facility Registry (HFR) to locate government and private medical facilities nationwide.
Versatile Recognition: Benefit from the card's versatility, as it is recognized in AYUSH treatment centres, covering Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy."

How to Create Health ID Card Online?

Creating your Health Card online has never been easier! Thanks to the user-friendly ACKO app, you can set up your ABHA account in just a few minutes

Follow this guide to get your ABHA account number effortlessly:

Download or Open ACKO App: New users, grab the ACKO app from the Play Store or App Store, depending on your device.
Login and Tap on 'Discover': Log in using your phone number and the One Time Password (OTP). Then, tap on 'Discover' at the bottom right corner of your screen.
Tap on 'Get Started' and 'Create ABHA Number': Hit 'Get Started.' For existing customers, we've got your member information ready. You can also add members to create their own ABHA accounts.
Select member: Tap the create button for the member you wish to create an ABHA health card. You can also add a new member on this page.
Enter Details: Enter your Aadhar number, and mobile number
Create the ABHA address: This is a unique username.

That's it! Your ABHA account number is generated. For future reference, if you want to keep a record, simply click on 'Download Card.' It's as simple as that!

Create ABHA Digital Health ID Card through ACKO app Final step

Who can get the ABHA health card?

To be eligible for the ABHA Card, you need to be an Indian citizen. Also, your family's annual income should be under Rs. 2.5 Lakhs. Having a valid Aadhaar card is a must to meet the eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Health ID

Here are the answers to some of the common questions about digital health ID.

Is Aadhaar mandatory to apply for a digital health ID?

No, Aadhaar is not mandatory for creating a health ID. You can use your mobile number to generate the health ID.

What is Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)?

The primary aim of the mission is to develop a digital ecosystem to help integrate the digital health infrastructure of the country. The mission helps bridge the present gap amongst various participants of the electronic healthcare infrastructure via digital highways.

What is a PHR address?

Personal Health Records or PHR address is a self-declared username required to sign in to a Health Information Exchange and Consent Manage. You can generate the PHR address while signing up for the digital health ID.

What is a Health Facility Registry (HFR)?

HFR is a comprehensive digital storage facility of all health facilities in the country. Public and private health facilities include diagnostic laboratories, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, imaging centres, etc. Enrollment by health facilities is voluntary, and the system is highly secure and safe.

What is Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR)?

HPR is a comprehensive digital storage facility of registered and verified healthcare professionals (practitioners) in the country. Through the digital health ecosystem, healthcare professionals can connect with patients.

Is it possible to use other ID documents apart from Aadhaar to create a health ID?

Currently, the system allows you to use your Aadhaar or mobile number to create your health ID. Creation of digital health ID through other ID documents such as Driving Licence, PAN card etc., will soon be rolled out. You can approach participating health facilities to assist you in creating the health ID.

Is my digital health ID unique?

Yes, your digital health ID is unique to your profile, and you have the option to link all your medical records to the ID. Additionally, you can generate multiple health IDs to link different sets of medical records. However, you should generate a single digital health ID.

Are my medical records safe and secure when I create my digital health ID?

The NDHM does not store your medical records since it is recorded by healthcare information providers. Your documents are shared after your consent over the NDHM network with encryption for a safe and secure transfer of information between healthcare facilities, Digi Doctors, and other participating healthcare providers.

Is it mandatory to apply for a digital health ID card?

It is not mandatory to register for a digital ID card through the ABDM. Anyone who wishes to be part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and has their medical records available digitally needs to apply for the digital health ID.

What is the long-term vision of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?

The launch of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to establish a nationwide digital health ecosystem that facilitates comprehensive and equitable healthcare coverage in a cost-effective, convenient, inclusive, timely, and secure manner.

Is the Digital Health ID card accessible across different healthcare facilities?

Yes, the Digital Health ID card is designed to be accessible across various healthcare facilities, allowing seamless sharing of health data between different providers and locations.

What type of health information is stored on the Digital Health ID card?

The Digital Health ID card stores a wide range of health information, including medical history, prescriptions, allergies, test results, vaccination records, and other essential health-related data.

How can healthcare providers benefit from the Digital Health ID card system?

Healthcare providers can benefit from the Digital Health ID card system by accessing patients' comprehensive medical histories, aiding in accurate diagnoses, reducing medical errors, and enhancing treatment planning.

Which languages are compatible with the ABHA mobile application?

Presently, the ABHA mobile app exclusively supports English and Hindi. Nevertheless, the ABDM website indicates that additional languages will be incorporated in the near future.

Is the ABHA health free of cost?

Yes, the ABHA card is offered without charge, allowing Indian citizens to digitally share their medical records with clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, and other relevant entities.