On 27th September 2021, Prime Minister Modi launched the Ayushman Digital Bharat initiative to Digitize Health facilities. The focal discussion of this revolutionary step is the creation of a unique health ID for every citizen. This health ID will contain health records for the individual, digital health professionals, and facilities registry.
- WHY DOES AYUSHMAN BHARAT DIGITAL MISSION SEEM PROMISING?
During the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister has highlighted the potential of bringing a revolutionary change in the Indian health facilities. It will enable citizens to discover and simplify the procedures in laboratories, hospitals, and pharmacies across the country. The initiative is promising to become more efficient in remote treatment and healthcare policy-making. With the welcoming of data-driven health care, patients will receive faster treatment and accurate diagnoses with historical records.
- HOW WILL AYUSHMAN BHARAT DIGITAL MISSION BENEFIT THE HEALTH STAKEHOLDER?
With the help of Ayushman Bharat Digital mission’s health ID, even if a patient moves to another city, they do not have to go through the same medical procedures. They can connect with doctors, laboratories, and pharmacies from anywhere around the country.
The medical consultant can directly access the patient’s medical history by entering the digital health ID.
The doctor’s information will be easily accessible, with highlighted details of their knowledge and specialization.
The Prime Minister has also stated that the Digital Health mission in the country will benefit specifically the poor and the middle class.
Check out the official video of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission:
- WHAT IS THE NATIONAL HEALTH STACK (NHS)?
Stack is creating a digitalized and centralized database of health records for all citizens of India that can be accessed at any point using the internet, usually cloud-based services. According to Niti Aayog, stack seeks to streamline health information and facilitate effective management.
Below mentioned are the scope of national health stack includes:
- Include private hospitals and practitioners in the primary and secondary healthcare ecosystem.
- The stack is the digital backbone of Ayushman Bharat.
- The NITI Aayog’s consultation draft on “ Strategy and approach” the NHS has four components- National Health Electronic Registries; A coverage and claims platform; A Federated personal health records framework; A national health analytics platform.
Attached below is the National Health Stack Architecture.
WHAT IS A HEALTH RECORD (PHR) ADDRESS?
A person with Health ID should also set up the PHR address. The health record (PHR) Address a self-acknowledged username that requires signing into a health information exchange and consent manager (HIE-CM).
You can generate your HR address during the Health ID sign-up.
- WHAT IS A DIGITAL HEALTH ID?
The Digital health ID will bring all the health stakeholders in a single platform. In simple words, a unique identification number that stores all the historical records of the patient. Also, there will be registration for doctors, health professionals, hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies in the country.
- HOW TO CREATE A DIGITAL HEALTH ID?
Before going in-depth, let us first understand what Digital Health ID is? It is a randomly generated 14 digit number that works as a unique identity, authentication, and threading of the beneficiary health records.
Documents needed:
- Aadhar number. (In upcoming days, is expected to support PAN and Driving license)
- Your phone number for registration
- PHR (Personal health record) Address.
Steps for creating Digital health ID:
- Open the URL https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in./
- Click on “Generate your Health ID now.”
- Enter your 14 digit Aadhar number. Read the declaration and submit.
- Add mobile number and click on submit.
- Authenticate your phone number via OTP.
- Now you will be redirected to the page showing Aadhar details. Enter your health record (PHR) address.
- Check for the confirmation page notifying your health ID card generated.
- Now you can download the 14 digits personal health ID card.
- Create your password
- Verify your credential.
EXPECTED FEATURES OF DIGITAL HEALTH ID CARD:
- Include access to the verified doctors.
- Beneficiary child health record since birth.
- You can add nominees to access and manage your health records and ID.
- Access via assistance for people who do not have mobile phones.
After the launch of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, Bill Gates congratulated Prime Minister Modi via Twitter. Stating the digital health infrastructure will help to ensure equitable, accessible healthcare delivery and accelerate progress on health goals.
An article published by Nandan Nilekani, the Chairman of Infosys for TOI 1st October 2021, has mentioned, the health care digital transformation will democratize. The fusion of digital public goods and private innovation will drive change.
LATEST UPDATE:
During the inauguration ceremony of the Digital Health Mission, the Chief Minister of Kerela said, the e-health scheme will contain all the health records, with Unique Identification numbers for patients using the government hospitals of Kerela. One individual must have one e-health record he added.
