The Ayushman Bharat scheme laid its footing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e., 2018, but its significance and impact were realised post-COVID. This scheme aims to give universal health coverage with secure and effective vaccines for all by the year 2030.
Through this scheme, the Central Government plans to digitise the whole healthcare system by creating centralised digital health records through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account. The account will act as a digital health registry, which shall have a unique digital patient ID or Aadhaar. This shall enable fully automated processes for health insurance claim settlement matters along with cashless transactions and support as a reference for claiming your health insurance tax benefits.
In this article, we shall understand the comprehensive idea of digital health ID cards, exploring their significance, functionality, potential benefits, and role in revolutionising healthcare management and information accessibility.
What is Ayushman Bharat Digital’s Mission?
The Prime Minister of India gave foundation to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to give people a centralised Health ID that shall have all their health records. Presently, there are 1,00,000 Health IDs registered under the National Digital Health Mission, which had its commencement in almost six states and union territories on August 15th.
The foundation of this whole mission is built on trinity, i.e., Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile number. The information collected through all these sources will help to create a seamless online platform for data for the digital health ecosystem, ensuring complete security and privacy.
Important Pillars for Digital Health Mission
- Health ID Card Online
It is a unique 14-digit health ID for every citizen, which will be a health account.
- National Health ID
It is a repository of all health-related information, enabling access and exchange of records with citizen consent.
- Health Account Content
The repository shall include the details of tests, diseases, doctors visited, medicines taken, and diagnoses. Your Personal health records will be linked to your Health Account, which will allow easy access to sign in to the Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIE-CM). This app enables handling the sharing and linking of health records and a few other benefits of having an ABHA card.
What are the Benefits of the ABHA Card?
It helps in getting easy access to medical services
Your health account provides immediate access to medical services and healthcare facilities that help in getting easy and quick access to necessary medical care. You can not only access just the medical history and diagnosis but also information regarding health insurance and past health insurance plans you had enabled.
Improved Health Outcomes
You can get on-time medical care through the digital health card, which improves overall health outcomes, especially in times of emergency.
Financial Security
It helps in getting complete financial security by covering medical expenses and ensuring access to medical care without worrying about financial burdens.
Improved Access to Healthcare
You get access to healthcare by allowing citizens to seek medical care from any reputed registered medical insurance plan and provider, such as Tata AIG.
Increased Transparency
It creates a complete, transparent online health insurance infrastructure for the insured and insurer. Further, it gives the insured complete access to their health records and helps them stay informed about their health information.
Digi Doctor Access
The digital health ID card provides access to Digi Doctor which is a comprehensive database of verified doctors practising modern and traditional medicine, enhancing healthcare options.
Control Over Personal Health Records
You get control over your health records as there are requisites of consent every time your PHR is accessed, which also allows you to deny access to your healthcare records.
Nomination and Record Management
It also lets you nominate someone to manage or update your medical record and grants individuals the right to handle your health information when necessary.
Paperless, Voluntary and Free Process
The whole process is paperless, voluntary, and free so that you can access all this information with just one click from anytime, anywhere, as centralised, too.
Final Words
Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Card is a comprehensive healthcare initiative that ensures immediate access to medical services, further ensuring improved health outcomes along with financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the digital health card?
The purpose of digital health cards is to improve the accessibility and affordability of medical-related services, making them centralised throughout the country.
What information is on a health ID card?
There is comprehensive information with regards to health information, including but not limited to, your past medical conditions, treatments and diagnosis etc.