Embracing the Digital India vision, the healthcare sector is undergoing a revolution. Patients can now ditch the queues and book appointments online, while hospitals join hands with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to create a seamless, connected network.
Under the ABDM, hospitals are being connected to patients online, providing them with a faster and more convenient registration process. This initiative aims to empower patients with digital access to their health records, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, launched in September 2021, has revolutionized the healthcare system by creating ABHA IDs for patients in hospitals. These IDs contain complete information about the patients, including doctor prescriptions, lab reports, vaccination records, and hospital discharge summaries. With their unique Health ID called ABHA number, patients can securely access their records digitally and manage them from their phones.
In Uttar Pradesh, the District Government Combined Hospital (DGCH) of Gautam Buddha Nagar in Noida is making significant progress in ABHA ID registration. Around 2,000 patients’ ABHA IDs are being registered at the hospital every day. Over the last three months, the hospital has registered ABHA IDs for approximately 1.5 lakh patients, making it a leader in Scan and Share faster OPD registrations.
Dr. Renu Aggarwal, Chief Medical Superintendent of the hospital, highlighted the positive impact of ABHA IDs. The implementation of this digital system has eliminated long queues and saved substantial time for both patients and the hospital administration. Patients can register online, receive a token number, and get an immediate appointment with the doctor. The doctor can access the patient’s ID to view their medical history, eliminating the need for paper documents or files.
To ensure awareness among patients, the hospital has set up a counter near the gate, where staff members assist individuals in downloading the application and completing their ABHA ID registration. Additionally, security guards inform patients about the benefits of the digital system.
Dr. Adhya Singh, a Medical Officer at the hospital, explained how the online OPD consultations work. After generating the patient’s ABHA ID, doctors can access the ID on their computers and gather information about the patient’s problem. The doctor can issue prescriptions and provide further treatment recommendations within the ID itself, making the process paperless. The patient can scan the barcode from their mobile device to obtain the prescribed medicine from the pharmacy.
The ABHA ID system has simplified the process of accessing health records, making it easier for doctors to view a patient’s history and provide appropriate treatment. The seamless flow of information benefits both patients and healthcare professionals.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has been a game-changer in the healthcare sector, transforming the way patients and hospitals engage with each other. As Uttar Pradesh leads the way with its successful implementation, more states are expected to adopt this system, benefiting millions of patients across the country. With ABHA-enabled Scan and Share faster OPD registration, patients can now experience a more efficient and digitized healthcare journey. The digital revolution in the healthcare sector has just begun, promising a future where everyone can access their health records easily and securely.
