Prime Minister Narendra Modi will encourage people to create Aarogya Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) in his Republic Day speech, on January 26, 2022. The PM hopes to increase participation in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) scheme by doing so.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Scheme
The government began the ABDM plan in August 2020 with the goal of creating an integrated digital health infrastructure in the country. The ABDM program gives patients complete control over their data, allowing them to choose who they wish to share it with. As a result, all beneficiaries' health information is kept safe.
Govt. Renamed ABDM to ABHA
The government is now considering renaming the digital health accounts 'ABHA,' in the hopes that this name will be more resonate to the general public. Every Indian will receive a unique 14-digit health identification number as part of the mission, which will aid in the development of a digital health ecosystem.
This ecosystem will feature a personal health ID for each citizen, as well as identifiers for doctors, hospitals, and personal information.
According to multiple news outlets, the ABHA planning is in its final stage, and PM Modi will make the final choice on the day of the announcement.
PM Modi’s First Step Towards Universal Health Coverage
The prime minister's flagship health plan is seen as the first step toward universal health care. In 2020, it was first implemented in six states and union territories.
15 Crore Health Ids Create So Far
Up to January 6, about 15 crore health IDs had been created successfully, and over 15,000 health facilities had enrolled as part of the scheme. Over 2 lakh health record applications have been downloaded, and around 7,000 doctors have enrolled, according to official data.
ABHA: To Remain A Voluntary Program
The ‘ABHA’ will remain as a ‘voluntary’ program and it offer a citizens a choice to create their digitized health cards, while using either an Aadhar card, driving license or a mobile number.
