Table of Contents
Introduction
In a significant stride towards providing affordable and accessible healthcare to every citizen, the Government of India introduced the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) scheme. Launched as a part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), ABHA is designed to offer financial protection to individuals and families during medical emergencies. In this article, we will delve into the features and benefits of the ABHA scheme and provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the ABHA card.
Background
On 27th September 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission, which aims to provide digital health ID to all the citizens of India. National Health Authority (NHA) has been entrusted the responsibility of implementing the ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Health Mission), so it acts as nodal agency for implementation of ABHA scheme.
What is ABHA Number?
ABHA is a unique health ID Card with 14-digit identification number. It can be generated using an Aadhaar card or mobile number. All health records can be shared digitally with the hospitals, clinics, insurance providers and others in very simple way using this card.
Citizens do not require to spend any money to create their ABHA card.
What is ABHA Address?
ABHA Address is unique self-declared username that enables you to share and access your health records digitally. Your ABHA address may look like ‘yourname@consent manager’.
Features of ABHA
Unique & Trustable Identity: Establish unique identity across different healthcare providers within the healthcare ecosystem. You can access all your medical records such as lab reports, prescriptions and diagnoses on single platform, which enable you to share your medical records with hospitals, clinics and insurance providers all at once.
Unified Benefits: You can link all healthcare benefits ranging from public health programs to insurance schemes to your unique ABHA number.
Hassle-free Access: You can avoid long lines for registration in healthcare facilities across the country after opting this card.
Financial Security: ABHA provides a safety net, ensuring that individuals and families have the financial means to address unforeseen medical expenses. This, in turn, reduces the financial burden during critical health crises.
Access to Quality Healthcare: With the ABHA card, beneficiaries gain access to a vast network of empaneled hospitals and healthcare providers. This network spans both urban and rural areas, enhancing healthcare accessibility
Tax Benefits: The interest earned on ABHA deposits is exempt from taxes, making it a tax-efficient savings instrument.
Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of medical treatments and services, including surgeries, diagnostics, and hospitalization. This comprehensive coverage ensures that beneficiaries receive the necessary medical care.
Voluntarily Opt out: It is voluntary process, you can participate at your own free will and at any time, you can also request for permanent deletion or temporary deactivation of your ABHA number.
Benefits of ABHA Card
Multiple benefits of ABHA Number are mentioned below:
Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR)
HPR is a repository of registered medical professionals (RMP). The citizens with a health ID card can check the doctors’ details along with their qualification through the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR).
Health Facility Registry (HFR)
The registered users will also be able to check the private and public healthcare facilities in the country with the help of the Health Facility Registry (HFR).
All Past History in Single Card
While visiting a new doctor an individual can show their medical records to the doctor with the help of a health ID card. This will help the doctor to get a complete idea of the existing diseases, treatment till now, medicines, discharge summary, tests and reports, etc.
No Expiry
With no expiry date, ABHA account holder can continue to use the deposited funds until the balance is exhausted.
Ayush Healthcare Services
Usability at AYUSH healthcare services is another feature of this card. AYUSH includes Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
Consent Based Sharing
To protect citizen’s privacy, sharing of health documents with any healthcare provider is kept consent-based. At any time user can give or remove consent.
Eligibility
The first and most apparent Abha card eligibility is that you need to be a citizen of India since the facilities of an Abha Card are only available to those with legal Indian citizenship. Government has not specified any other criteria for applying ABHA Card.
How to apply for ABHA Number?
You have the option to generate your ABHA using your Aadhaar card, driving license or using mobile number.
Let’s take the example of using your Aadhaar card.
To begin, go to the website of National Digital Health Mission by clicking link: Register for ABHA
Click on “Create ABHA number”.
Then, click on “Using Aadhaar”.
Now, enter your Aadhaar number.
Scroll down and click on “I agree” and enter the captcha as shown.
Then, click on “Submit”.
You will receive OTP on Adhaar Registered Mobile number.
Enter the OTP, click on “Submit”.
Now, it will ask for mobile number, enter your mobile number and click on “Submit”.
The details will be directly fetched from your Adhaar Data.
Verify the details and click on “Submit”.
You will also have the option to create an ABHA address that is similar to an email ID.
Once you have done this, you will be able to download your ABHA card.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), also known as Health ID, is a significant step towards transforming healthcare delivery in India. The benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Health Account are manifold, including centralized health records, better care coordination, accessibility, health analytics, and avoidance of duplicate tests. By embracing this innovative initiative, individuals can take control of their health information, healthcare providers can make informed treatment decisions, and the healthcare system as a whole can benefit from data-driven insights. By following the simple application process outlined in this article, individuals and families can secure their healthcare future and gain access to quality medical services. ABHA not only provides financial security but also promotes a culture of healthcare savings, contributing to the overall well-being of the nation’s citizens.
You can also read:
1 thought on “ABHA Number, ABHA ID, Eligibility, Registration, Features, Benefits, How to Apply”