Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
Digital India Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a national digital health ecosystem that supports universal health coverage in an efficient, accessible, inclusive, affordable, timely, and safe manner. It aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country and bridge the digital divide.
ABDM provides a wide range of data, information, and infrastructure services, duly leveraging open, interoperable, standards-based digital systems, and ensuring the security, confidentiality, and privacy of health-related personal information.
ABDM has the following core components:
- Health ID: A unique digital identifier for every individual that allows them to access their health data across different healthcare providers and platforms.
- Personal Health Records (PHR): A secure electronic repository of an individual's health data, including medical records, prescriptions, lab reports, and more.
- Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR): A registry of all healthcare professionals in the country, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other allied healthcare professionals.
- Health Facility Registry (HFR): A registry of all healthcare facilities in the country, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and more.
- Health Information Exchange (HIE): A digital platform that enables the exchange of health data between different healthcare providers and platforms.
ABDM is being implemented in a phased manner. The pilot phase was launched in six Union Territories in August 2020. The nationwide rollout began in September 2021.
ABDM offers a number of benefits to individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers:
- Individuals: ABDM gives individuals control over their own health data and empowers them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It also makes it easier for individuals to access their health data from anywhere, anytime.
- Healthcare providers: ABDM helps healthcare providers to improve the quality and efficiency of care delivery. It also enables them to provide better coordination of care for their patients.
- Policymakers: ABDM provides policymakers with valuable data and insights that can be used to improve the overall healthcare system in the country.
ABDM is a transformative initiative that has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered in India. It is a critical step towards achieving the goal of universal health coverage.
