LOK SABHA
HEALTH IDS UNDER NATIONAL DIGITAL HEALTH MISSION
572 SHRI ANTO ANTONY
SHRI MOHAMMED FAIZAL P.P.
DR. A. CHELLAKUMAR
SHRI T.N. PRATHAPAN
Will the Minister of HEALTH and FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of health IDs created under the National Digital Health Mission as on date;
(b) whether the Government is planning to rename the scheme and introduce different health identification numbers and if so, the difference between the proposed scheme and the current scheme;
(c) whether the Government has accounted for any loopholes/shortcomings in the creation of such IDs as were observed in the Aadhaar system;
(d) if so, the manner in which the Government proposes to reduce the number of exclusions;
(e) whether the Government plans to make health IDs mandatory in the near future; and
(f) the proposed plan with the Government to execute the scheme to address and reconcile rural and urban disparities that prevail in the healthcare and digital system?
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
(a) to (f) As on 25th January 2022, 15,05,92,811 Health IDs (now known as ABHA- Ayushman Bharat Health Account) have been created. National Digital Health Mission has been renamed as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and health IDs as Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA).
Creation of Health ID (now known as ABHA) is voluntary. National Health Authority (NHA) is creating awareness among the citizens about the usages and advantages of Health ID to maximize participation from citizen.
Government has taken various steps to ensure that the benefits of the mission reach every citizen. Inclusion is one of the key principles of ABDM. The digital health ecosystem created by ABDM supports continuity of care across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare in a seamless manner. It aids availability of health care services particularly in remote and rural areas through various technology interventions like telemedicine etc.