• Introduction
• Vision
• Guiding principles
• ABDM components
• Opportunities
• Benefits

Introduction         

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has formulated the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission with the aim to provide the necessary support for the integration of digital health infrastructure in the country. This visionary initiative, stemming from the National Health Policy, 2017 intends to digitize healthcare in India.

National Health Authority (NHA) has been entrusted with the role of designing strategy, building technological infrastructure and implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. NHA is also apex body for implementation of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana” (AB-PMJAY). The ABDM is a collaborative initiative between many ministries/departments.

Vision

Its vision is to create a national digital health ecosystem that supports universal health coverage in an efficient, accessible, inclusive, affordable, timely and safe manner and a seamless online platform through the provision of a wide range of data, information and infrastructure services, duly leveraging open, interoperable, standards-based digital systems, and ensures the security, confidentiality and privacy of health-related personal information.

Guiding principles

The ABDM has been designed, developed, deployed, operated and maintained by the Government following the guiding principles as laid out in National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB).

ABDM Components

Health ID:

It is important to standardize the process of identification of an individual across healthcare providers. Health ID will be used to uniquely identify persons, authenticate them, and threading their health records (only with the informed consent of the patient) across multiple systems and stakeholders.

Health ID is created by using basic details and mobile number or Aadhaar number and it will be unique to a person. Health ID can be obtained with the support of healthcare provider who is in the national health infrastructure registry or it can be obtained by self-registration from a mobile or a web application. Create Health ID

Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR)

Healthcare Professionals Registry is a comprehensive repository of all healthcare professionals involved in delivery of healthcare services across both modern and traditional systems of medicine. Enrolling in the Healthcare Professionals Registry will enable them to get connected to India’s digital health ecosystem.   Register for HPR

Health Facility Registry (HFR):

It is a comprehensive repository of health facilities of the country across different systems of medicine. It includes both public and private health facilities including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories and imaging centers, pharmacies, etc. Enrolling in the Health Facility Registry will enable them to get connected to India's digital health ecosystem.  Register for HFR

Personal Health Records (PHR):

A personal health record, or PHR, is an electronic application through which patients can maintain and manage their health information (and that of others for whom they are authorized) in a private, secure, and confidential environment. The citizens can get a longitudinal view of the personal health record by creating and linking the health ID with the visited health care facilities.
ABDM Health Records (PHR) mobile application -Key features:

• Option to create a unique Health ID to manage the health records.
• Option to link the health ID with various health care facilities including Hospital, Clinic and Labs.
• Option to request the health data from the linked health care facilities on to the phone and have a longitudinal view of the health data at the finger tips.
• Option to deny or grant permission, if any doctors, labs or clinics request to view the health data.     Download App

Opportunities

• The current strong public digital infrastructure provides opportunities to streamline healthcare information through digital management.
• The experience of AB-PMJAY can be leveraged to expand the reach of digital health to all residents and develop an open and inter-operable health management system that empowers residents, healthcare providers, the Government and researchers.
• Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), blockchain and cloud computing provide additional opportunities for facilitating a more holistic digital health ecosystem, that can increase the equitable access to health services, improve health outcomes and reduce costs.

Benefits

• The implementation of ABDM is expected to significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of health service delivery overall. Patients will be able to securely store and access their medical records (such as prescriptions, diagnostic reports and discharge summaries), and share them with health care providers to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up.
• People will also have access to more accurate information on health facilities and service providers. Further, they will have the option to access health services remotely through tele-consultation and e-pharmacy.
• ABDM will provide choice to individuals to access both public and private health services, facilitate compliance with laid down guidelines and protocols, and ensure transparency in the pricing of services and accountability for the health services being rendered.
• Similarly, health care professionals across disciplines will have better access to the patient’s medical history (with the necessary informed consent) for prescribing more appropriate and effective health interventions.
• The integrated ecosystem will also enable a better continuum of care. ABDM will help digitize the claims process and enable faster reimbursement.
• At the same time, policy-makers and programme managers will have better access to data, enabling more informed decision making by the Government.
• Better quality of macro and micro-level data will enable advanced analytics, usage of health-biomarkers and better preventive healthcare. It will also enable geography and demography-based monitoring and appropriate decision making to form design and strengthen implementation of health programmes and policies.
• Finally, researchers will greatly benefit from the availability of such aggregated information as they will be able to study and evaluate the effectiveness of various programmes and interventions. ABDM would facilitate a comprehensive feedback loop between researchers, policymakers, and providers.

By establishing a comprehensive, nationwide integrated digital health ecosystem, ABDM will contribute significantly to achieving the goals of National Health Policy 2017 and the SDGs related to health. ABDM will mark a new beginning for the Indian digital healthcare ecosystem, enabling more effective delivery of healthcare services and moving towards health to all.

Know more about- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission  

National Digital Health Blueprint (NDHB)

National Digital Health Mission, Strategy Overview

NDHM Sandbox

Generate Health ID: Key to your digital healthcare journey

References-

https://abdm.gov.in/

https://nha.gov.in/

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1758511