All You Need to Know About the Digital Health ID Card

We live in an increasingly digital world. From ordering food to shopping for clothes, everything is accessible to us at the click of a button. In such a scenario, can the healthcare system in India be far behind? No. To digitise the country's healthcare system, the Central Government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), also known as the NDHM or National Digital Health Mission. Here is how Niva Bupa can help you create your ABHA account.

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), or National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) was launched by the Central Government to digitise the country's healthcare system. This is done through the introduction of digital health records. As per the official website of the National Health Authority, the first step towards digitising the country’s healthcare system is by introducing the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA).

This blog will discuss the benefits of the ABHA card, how to register for it and what documents are required for it.

Digital Health ID Card or ABHA is a unique 14-digit health identification number for every Indian citizen. This works as your health account and will store all your necessary health information, including but not limited to, your past medical conditions, treatments and diagnosis. This record can only be viewed after your authorisation. It enables doctors, hospitals, health insurance firms and citizens to access your health records electronically as and when required. Think of it as your own personal health insurance card. It gives you the best health insurance assistance. It makes it easy to file health insurance claims, get health insurance benefits and keep a record of health insurance premiums.

What are the Advantages of the Ayushman Bharat

Digital Health ID Card?

Being a digital card, ABHA has complete and easy access to your digital health records from the time of pre and post-hospitalisation. All this information is accessible at the click of a button, thereby enabling you to go paperless. This is done by linking your Personal Health Records (PHR) to your Health Account. PHR is a simple version of a self-declared username that enables you to sign the Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIE-CM). HIE-CM is an application that manages sharing and linking of health records. Here are some other benefits of having a ABHA card:

• Instant Access to Medical Services: The digital health card provides immediate access to medical services and healthcare facilities. It makes it easier for citizens to access medical care when needed.
• Improved Health Outcomes: With the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Card, citizens can receive timely medical care, improving health outcomes.
• Financial Security: The card also provides financial security by covering medical expenses. It ensures citizens can access medical care without worrying about financial costs.
• Improved Access to Healthcare: The card also provides improved access to healthcare, as citizens can access medical care from any registered healthcare provider.
• Increased Transparency: The card also increases transparency by giving citizens access to their health records.

Apart from these benefits, this digital health ID card gives you access to Digi Doctor. Digi-Doctor is an expansive database of verified doctors who practise both modern and traditional medicine systems and have voluntarily enrolled themselves on India’s digital health ecosystem.

Your consent is needed every time your PHR is accessed. You can deny access to your healthcare records if you want to apply for ABHA if you can request to erase your health data at any time. You can also nominate someone and give them the right to manage or update your medical records when necessary.

How to Apply and Register Online?

You can create your ABHA by registering on the online portal, or through the NDMH Health Records Application.

Registering on the Website:

Here are the steps for registering from the website:

• Go to the official NDHM website (https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in/register) 
• Select the option, “Create Your ABHA.”
• Enter your Aadhaar Card number/Driving License Number and check the declaration.
• Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your registered mobile number.
• You will be redirected to a page containing your details. Enter your personal Health Records address (Username).
• Enter all your personal details and click on submit.
• Check all your entered details on this page, along with your ABHA number.
• Download your 14-digit ABHA. 
• Create a password and log in with valid credentials.

Registering on the Application:

Here are the steps for registering from the app:

• Download the NDHM Health Records App.
• Select Register Now and choose the preferred language.
• Register with an Aadhaar Card.
• Enter all your personal details 
• Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
• Once your ABHA is generated, create a username.
• You will be asked to submit identification documents such as Driving License.
• Create a password to protect your ABHA and log in.

How to Download Your ABHA?

To download your ABHA card, follow these steps:

• Login to your account through the website or mobile app. 
• Enter your ABHA number and date of birth, and click on submit. 
• Select and download your ABHA.

How to Deactivate my ABHA?

• In case you no longer need or wish to use your ABHA card, follow these steps to deactivate it:
• Log in with your ABHA number or PHR and your birth date, and click submit.
• Next, you need to generate an OTP with your Aadhaar or mobile number or use the password you set to log in to your account.
• Click on “My Account” and select “Deactivate/Delete ABHA”. Deactivation of ABHA is temporary, and your account will not be closed. If you want to delete your ABHA permanently, click the “Delete ABHA” option.
• Consider ABHA as your personal health insurance card. It provides you with the best medical insurance assistance. This facilitates the filing of health insurance claims, the receipt of health insurance benefits, and the recording of health insurance premiums. It will assist you in locating health centres and medical professionals, as well as seamlessly sharing your medical records with doctors across India. You can also save your medical data securely and grant access to medical professionals as needed. Having an ABHA card can thus enhance your overall healthcare experience.