Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) enables digital health record management

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is a 14-digit digital health identity established under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The system allows individuals to digitally manage health records, including medical history, diagnostic reports, and prescriptions, which can be accessed by authorized healthcare providers with the patient's consent.

Registration is currently being implemented at government hospitals and healthcare facilities across Tamil Nadu. While the initiative aims to streamline medical information management, some facilities have reported long queues due to limited awareness and registration resources.

Individuals can apply for an ABHA card through several methods:

• Online via Aadhaar: Users can visit the official ABHA portal, enter their Aadhaar number, and verify their identity via OTP to receive their 14-digit number. • Online via Driving Licence: Users can begin an enrollment process online using their driving licence and must subsequently visit an authorized ABDM healthcare facility for identity verification. • Offline: Registration can be completed at authorized healthcare facilities or Common Service Centres (CSC) by providing required identity documents and completing in-person verification.