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The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a pioneering effort aimed at creating a robust digital infrastructure to support the healthcare ecosystem of India. By creating digital highways, ABDM aims to bring about the seamless integration of healthcare services, providing an efficient and effective solution to the current challenges faced by the industry.
ABDM’s approach aims at improving the delivery of healthcare services to all individuals. The government aims to create a robust digital health infrastructure that would benefit the citizens in the long run. The national health information network and electronic health records are a few key components of the digital health infrastructure. The government is also making efforts to incorporate mobile apps and telemedicine services to make healthcare services easily accessible to all.
Main Components of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission -
ABHA Number/ID
ABHA Number is at the heart of ABDM. A unique 14-digit number, ABHA ID, is allotted to every individual to register them in India's digital health ecosystem. This ID makes it easy to identify, authenticate, and access health records seamlessly.
With ABHA ID, you have the power to create a secure and organized platform - a Personal Health Record. This record serves as a one-stop solution to store the health records of yourself and your loved ones. It lets you access and share your health information with stakeholders for better treatment and healthcare.
Patient Health Record (PHR)
The Patient Health Record (PHR) offers a platform for patients to manage their medical records. It is a digital locker where patients can safely store their health information, including prescriptions, diagnoses, and treatment plans. With ABDM's PHR, individuals have the power to upload their health records directly onto the platform, giving them control over their personal health information.
Unified Healthcare Interface (UHI)
The Unified Healthcare Interface (UHI) is revolutionizing the way we access health services. It provides a seamless, cross-platform solution that acts as a network connecting health-tech service providers, End User Applications (EUAs), and participating Health Service Providers (HSPs) to offer a unified experience for patients. UHI allows for consultations with doctors from any participating platform, regardless of the application they use.
Joining the UHI network is effortless for health-tech providers, thanks to UHI's compliance with the platform. It acts as a backend gateway, enabling cross-platform consultation and improving visibility and accessibility.
Health Facility Registry (HFR)
A Health Facility Registry is a comprehensive database that lists all the health facilities in a country, including both public and private establishments. From hospitals to clinics, diagnostic laboratories, imaging centers, and pharmacies, the registry serves as a one-stop shop for information about the healthcare facilities available in a particular area.
Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR)
The Healthcare Professionals Registry is a comprehensive database that lists all healthcare professionals involved in delivering healthcare services, regardless of the system of medicine they practice. This includes professionals from both modern and traditional systems, ensuring that patients have access to a wide range of options for their healthcare needs
Benefits of ABDM
For Individuals
From admission to treatment and discharge, all the information about a patient’s health journey can be accessed online, anytime, anywhere.
Just like the registration, if an individual ever wishes to opt out of the scheme, they can simply request for data to be erased.
ABHA allows you to link your health records and create a comprehensive history of your health journey.
With a unique ABHA number, an individual will have access to consultation with authorized doctors across India.
An individual has the right to control their personal health information as they can manage and revoke their consent to share data.
To Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals have access to a patient's complete medical history, right at their fingertips.
With the necessary informed consent, this information will be a game-changer for prescribing personalized and effective health interventions.
The sharing of information between healthcare providers will lead to a seamless continuum of care for patients.
ABDM is working to digitize the claims process, making it faster and more efficient for healthcare providers.
With better access to information and a streamlined claims process, the overall experience of providing and receiving healthcare services will be enhanced.
To policymakers and administrators
The government will have unprecedented access to valuable data, empowering them to make well-informed decisions about healthcare.
This information will allow the government to create targeted health programs and policies.
It will also take into account the unique needs of various demographics and geographic regions.
With the power of data on its side, the government can design and implement healthcare initiatives that truly make a difference in people's lives.
To Insurers, and health tech companies
The implementation of Ayushman Bharat presents a chance for insurance and health technology firms to broaden their customer base, particularly in rural regions
It creates a centralized database of patient information, offering valuable data that can be utilized by these companies for research and decision-making
It also acts as a platform for collaboration between insurance companies, health tech businesses, and healthcare providers to generate innovative and cost-effective healthcare services
It also helps in the quick settlement of claims as the patient records can be accessed digitally by the insurance companies
To Healthcare Providers
Ayushman Bharat streamlines billing and reimbursement procedures, reduces administrative burdens, and prompts payment for their services.
It offers healthcare facilities the opportunity to utilize a centralized database for patient information, making data management more efficient and effective.
It enhances patient engagement by providing a user-friendly interface for patients, allowing healthcare facilities to improve communication and education efforts
To Non-Profit Organizations
It can lead to an increase in funding opportunities for non-profit organizations working in the healthcare sector.
By partnering with healthcare providers and the government, non-profit organizations can play a critical role in improving access to quality healthcare services for underserved populations.
It provides a platform for non-profit organizations to raise public awareness about the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare
How to Enroll in ABDM?
To enroll in ABDM, an individual simply needs to visit the Health ID website (https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in/) to generate a unique Health ID.
Healthcare Professionals can be a part of ABDM by registering on the Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) (https://hpr.ndhm.gov.in/en). All healthcare professionals recognized by Indian authorities are eligible to register and be part of this exciting initiative.
And for health facilities, registering on the Health Facility Registry (HFR) (https://facility.ndhm.gov.in/) is the first step towards being a part of the ABDM network.