Dear readers, Assume visiting a doctor without carrying a pile of medical papers or worrying about losing your health records. The ABHA card makes this possible, bringing a new way to manage your health information easily and safely. For people across India, whether in bustling cities or quiet villages, the ABHA card is a step toward better healthcare.
The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, launched under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), is a digital health ID with a unique 14-digit number that helps Indian citizens store, access, and share their medical records securely with healthcare providers, improving access to quality healthcare nationwide.
Below we explains what the ABHA card benefits, eligibility, and how to get one.
What Is the ABHA Card?
To begin with, the ABHA card, or Ayushman Bharat Health Account card, is a digital tool created by the Indian government to make healthcare easier for everyone. Specifically, it is a unique 14-digit identification number linked to your Aadhaar card or mobile number, acting like a digital locker for your health records.
It was Launched on September 27, 2021, under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the card stores details like your medical history, prescriptions, test reports, and doctor consultations in one place. Consequently, this system allows you to share these records with hospitals or doctors across India, but only with your permission.
For instance, if you visit a clinic in another city, the doctor can quickly check your health history using your ABHA card, ensuring faster and better treatment. Moreover, the card is part of India’s effort to build a strong digital healthcare system, connecting patients, doctors, and hospitals seamlessly.
Why Is the ABHA Card Useful?
Next, let’s explore how the ABHA card helps local people like you. Firstly, it removes the need to carry physical medical files, which can get lost or damaged. Instead, all your health information, such as past treatments or lab results, is stored digitally and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
Additionally, the card lets you share your records with doctors or hospitals securely, ensuring they have the right information to treat you. For example, if you’re traveling and need medical care, your ABHA card allows the doctor to see your health history instantly.
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Furthermore, it connects you to the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR), where you can check doctors’ qualifications, and the Health Facility Registry (HFR), which lists both government and private hospitals. Also, the card supports alternative medicine options like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, making it easier to explore different treatments. Importantly, your data remains private, as no one can access it without your consent. Thus, the ABHA card simplifies healthcare and makes it more accessible for everyone.
Who Can Get an ABHA Card?
Now, you might wonder who can use this card. The answer is simple: any Indian citizen can get an ABHA card, regardless of age, income, or caste. Specifically, you need an Aadhaar card or a driving license linked to a valid mobile number for registration. Unlike the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PM-JAY), which focuses on low-income families, the ABHA card is for everyone, including children.
However, non-residents of India (NRIs) are not eligible. Additionally, there are no income limits or caste barriers, so whether you’re from a village or a city, you can apply.
Moreover, the process is free, and you don’t need to submit hard copies of documents—just your Aadhaar or driving license details. Importantly, getting an ABHA card is voluntary, meaning you can choose to opt out or delete your account anytime if you decide it’s not for you. Therefore, the ABHA card is designed to include everyone in India’s digital healthcare system.
How to Get an ABHA Card?
So, how do you get an ABHA card? The process is straightforward and can be done online or offline. To start, you can visit the official Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission website (https://abha.abdm.gov.in) or download the ABHA app from the Play Store or App Store.
Then, choose to create your ABHA number using your Aadhaar card or driving license. Next, enter your Aadhaar number or mobile number, agree to the terms, and verify with an OTP sent to your registered mobile.
After that, fill in your details, like name and address, and create an ABHA address (like a username, e.g., yourname@abdm).
Once completed, your 14-digit ABHA ID is generated, and you can download your digital card as a PDF. Alternatively, you can visit an authorized enrollment center, such as a government hospital or clinic, to register offline with your Aadhaar details. Consequently, the process takes just a few minutes, and you can start using your card right away.
How Does the ABHA Card Work with Healthcare?
Finally, let’s understand how the ABHA card fits into your healthcare journey. Once you have your ABHA card, you can link it to your health records, including hospital visits, prescriptions, and test results.
For instance, when you visit a doctor, you can share your ABHA ID, allowing them to view your medical history with your permission. This helps doctors make better decisions about your treatment.
Additionally, you can link your health insurance details to your ABHA ID, making it easier to process cashless claims at hospitals. Moreover, the card works at both public and private hospitals registered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring you can use it almost anywhere in India.
However, the ABHA card itself is not an insurance card—it focuses on managing records, not covering medical costs. Therefore, it acts as a bridge between you, your doctors, and the healthcare system, making your medical care smoother and more efficient.
In conclusion, the ABHA card is a powerful tool for every Indian to take control of their health records. By offering a simple, secure, and digital way to store and share medical information, it makes healthcare easier and more accessible. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, the ABHA card connects you to India’s growing digital healthcare system, ensuring your health information is always at your fingertips.