India has created over 90 crore unique ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) identity cards under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission as a part of Digital Health Ecosystem.
Key Initiatives under India’s Digital Health Ecosystem
Challenges related to Digital Health Ecosystem
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- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), it supports universal, affordable, accessible, and secure healthcare.
- Components of ABDM: ABHA Number (14-digit digital health identity), Healthcare Professionals Registry; National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) etc.
- Aarogya Setu: National Health App integrated with ABDM, which provides access to digital health records.
- eSanjeevani: World’s largest documented telemedicine platform that connects Health & Wellness Centres with doctors and specialists.
- Other Initiatives: e-Hospital (Hospital Management Information System); e-BloodBank; Cough Against TB (AI-based TB screening); MadhuNetrAI (AI-based diabetic retinopathy screening) etc.
Significance of Digital Health Ecosystem
- Supports Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Connects remote and underserved populations and makes healthcare more affordable and inclusive.
- E.g., women constitute nearly half of total ABHA holders.
- Enables Evidence-Based Policymaking: Generates health data that supports better planning, resource allocation, and interventions.
- Strengthens Health System Resilience: Supports healthcare delivery during emergencies, disasters, and pandemics.
