The Indian government has been actively launching schemes to benefit citizens across various sectors, with healthcare being a significant focus. One such initiative is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, introduced in 2018, which has provided health insurance to millions of low-income families. As part of this scheme, the government has now launched the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Card.
This card serves as a digital health identity, making it easier for citizens to access healthcare services and store their medical history in one place. In this post, we’ll explain how to apply for an ABHA card, the benefits of having one, and why linking it with your Aadhaar card is important.
What is ABHA Card?
The ABHA card is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It acts as a unique health identification card that contains your medical history, allowing seamless access to healthcare services across India. This digital card ensures that whenever you visit a hospital or doctor, your health records can be accessed quickly without the need for physical documentation.
The card is especially beneficial in providing organized and efficient healthcare services. Hospitals, clinics, and medical practitioners can access your history and provide treatment accordingly, saving time and effort.
Why Is ABHA Linked to Aadhaar?
One of the key aspects of the ABHA card is its link to Aadhaar. Aadhaar, being a universal identity card in India, allows for easy verification and helps in ensuring that health services are accessed by the correct individual. Here’s why linking ABHA to Aadhaar is crucial:
- Easy Verification: Linking ABHA with Aadhaar ensures that an individual’s identity is verified quickly, avoiding fraudulent activities.
- Centralized Data: By linking to Aadhaar, your health records are securely stored under your Aadhaar-linked digital identity, ensuring that it is accessible across India.
- Mandatory by Law: For those who apply for an ABHA card using a driving license instead of Aadhaar, it is necessary to later link the Aadhaar for government verification purposes. This helps maintain uniformity and security.
How to Apply for an ABHA Card?
You can create an ABHA card through multiple platforms, including the official website or by visiting a nearby Common Service Center (CSC). The process is simple and quick:
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online:
- Visit the ABHA Website: Go to the official ABHA portal.
- Choose a Document for ID: To begin, click on the “Create ABHA Number” option. You can either choose your Aadhaar card or driving license for identification purposes.
- Enter Aadhaar or Driving License Number: Depending on your choice, enter the selected ID number.
- Accept Declaration: Read the provided declaration carefully and click on the “I agree” option to proceed.
- Submit the Form: Enter your registered mobile number and click “Submit.” You will receive an OTP on your mobile.
- Verify OTP: Enter the OTP received on your registered number and submit the form. Your ABHA card will be generated if all information matches successfully.
Offline Process:
If you prefer, you can visit your nearest Common Service Center (CSC) to create your ABHA card. The process at the CSC will involve similar steps, and an official will assist you in applying for the card.
Why ABHA Card is Essential for You
- Access to Medical History Anywhere: With the ABHA card, your medical records are accessible from anywhere in the country, ensuring seamless healthcare experiences.
- Digital Health Records: No need to carry old prescriptions, test results, or health reports. Everything is stored digitally and can be retrieved during any hospital visit.
- Faster Treatment: Having a complete health record available digitally speeds up consultations, as healthcare professionals can instantly review past treatments, medications, and tests.
- Part of a Nationwide Health Mission: The ABHA card is part of the larger vision of the Indian government to create a unified, digital health infrastructure that ensures every citizen has access to medical care.
How Does ABHA Benefit the Healthcare System?
The ABHA card doesn’t just benefit individual citizens; it also enhances the healthcare system:
- Reduces Documentation Hassle: Hospitals can access patient history instantly, reducing paperwork.
- More Efficient Resource Allocation: The central database allows healthcare facilities to manage resources better and treat patients more efficiently.
- Improved Patient Care: By having access to a patient’s complete medical records, doctors can make more informed decisions, ensuring that treatments are accurate and timely.
Linking Aadhaar: Who Must Do It?
While many people use their Aadhaar to apply for the ABHA card, those who choose a driving license instead will still need to link their Aadhaar later. The Government of India has made Aadhaar linkage mandatory to streamline the digital healthcare infrastructure. Linking ensures that all records are securely stored and easily accessible for verified individuals.
