As we all know, India is a country with a large population, many of whom cannot access affordable medical treatment. On the other hand, due to the complicated healthcare system, it is difficult for the Indian government to manage and track medical records. Thus, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission provides a solution for that, which is the ABHA card, a health card offering numerous benefits to Indian citizens and promoting digital healthcare records instead of paper-based records. In this blog, we will introduce ABHA card eligibility, registration, processing time and everything you need to know about this health card.
What is ABHA Card
ABHA is the abbreviation for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is a digital health ID card that contains a 14-digit identification number. This ID card is used to keep your medical history, consultation details, and prescriptions, enabling you to access medical treatment from healthcare providers in India. Meanwhile, it is easier for the Indian government to promote the digitality of the national healthcare system.
It is important to know that once your ABHA is registered, you will get your ABHA address. This address is similar to an e-mail address, which is used as a username to log into the Health Information Exchange.
Eligibility for ABHA Card
According to the Indian government, no matter which caste you are from, you have the right to apply for an ABHA card when you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Indian Citizen
Since ABHA is targeting the Indian healthcare system, it is only applicable to those who are Indian citizens, which is the most essential criterion.
- Aadhaar Card
To get an ABHA card, you should have an Aadhaar card first, as it is used to prove your identity and finish all the application processes.
- Age Criteria
Indian citizens aged 18 to 59 years who possess the required documentation have the eligibility. If you are below 18, ask your parents to apply for a child ABHA and connect it to their ABHA account.
ABHA Card Benefits
As an Indian citizen, you need efficient medical treatment when you have to go to the doctor, so having an ABHA card is necessary because it will provide the following benefits.
- Easy Access to Health Records
Managing your reports of medical treatment history is a difficult task, and it is so inconvenient to carry them whenever you go to the doctor. With an ABHA card, doctors can easily check your medical history and avoid wrong information.
- Seamless Access to Verified Doctors
Having an ABHA card means that you can seamlessly and easily connect with verified doctors or healthcare professionals from different healthcare organizations. Thus you can get better treatment when necessary.
- Access to AYUSH Treatment Facilities
ABHA provides a distinctive identity, allowing you to access various AYUSH treatment facilities, including Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and so on.
- Guarantee for Information Security
Through a strong, encryption system, the ABHA card ensures high-level security for your personal medical information. Whether it is your medical history or treatment record, they are all well protected. No one can view it without your permission.
- Transparent Charge for Medical Treatment
ABHA ensures healthcare providers comply with regulations and that they will have a transparent charge for medical treatment, which results in the reduction of arbitrary medical fees.
- Simplify Health Insurance Application
Using ABHA card to apply for health insurance will simplify its process and make it easier for you to get medical treatments if necessary.
- Obtain Consultation and Telemedicine Online
You can use the ABHA health card to consult verified doctors online to get their medical advice and also obtain telemedicine without visiting healthcare organizations in person.
- Get Medication Discounts
When you purchase medicines in pharmacies both online and offline, you will get discounts using the ABHA card.
Required Documents for ABHA Card
When registering for an ABHA membership online, there is no need to submit paperwork, instead, you should provide the following documents to create your ABHA account:
- Mobile phone number
- Aadhaar card number
- Driving license (for the use of generating an enrolling number)
How to Create ABHA Health ID Card
There are three ways to create your ABHA health ID card. Here you can refer to the following descriptions step by step.
ABHA Card Registration Online
You can complete your ABHA card registration using an Aadhaar card or a driver’s license according to the following steps.
- For using an Aadhaar card:
Step 1: Visit the official ABHA website.
Step 2: Click on ‘Create ABHA Number’.
Step 3: Click on ‘Create your ABHA number using Aadhaar’.
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number and click on ‘Next’.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your mobile phone to verify your ABHA ID.
Step 6: Enter the communication details.
Step 7: After confirming all the information, you will get your ABHA address to complete the registration.
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- For using a driver’s license:
Step 1: Visit the official ABHA website
Step 2: Click on ‘Create ABHA Number’.
Step 3: Click on ‘Create your ABHA number using Driving Licence’.
Step 4: Enter your mobile phone number and click ‘Next’.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your mobile phone to verify your ABHA ID.
Step 6: Complete the details such as name, date of birth, gender, driving license, etc. Meanwhile, upload the image of your driver’s license.
Step 7: After that, you will get your ABHA number, which means you complete the registration.
ABHA App Registration
Also, you can complete your ABHA card registration on the ABHA App. Here are the steps below.
Step 1: Download the ABHA App from the App Store or Play Store and finish installation on your mobile phone.
Step 2: Click on ‘Create now’ and choose ‘Create your ABHA number’.
Step 3: Continue to enter your Aadhaar number and click on ‘Next’.
Step 4: Choose to register using an OTP. Then enter the OTP received on your mobile phone.
Step 5: After that, your ABHA address will be created and the registration is done.
ABHA Registration from Health Facility
In addition to the online registration, you can choose the offline way to complete it. Here are the steps that you can follow.
Step 1: Download the list of health facilities from the official ABHA website.
Step 2: Go to the nearest health facility center and remember to carry your Aadhaar card with you.
Step 3: Fill in all the details of the registration form and submit it to the facility. Then you will complete your ABHA card registration.
Therefore, you have the option to register your ABHA card in both online and offline means. No matter which means you choose, it is not that difficult to finish the registration process by yourself when following the above steps.
How to Download ABHA Card
After completing the registration of your ABHA card, you can simply download it from the official ABHA website or the ABHA mobile application. Please refer to the following procedures.
Step 1: Visit the official ABHA website or open the ABHA App.
Step 2: Log in with your ABHA ID with a 14-digit number.
Step 3: Click on the option ‘View Health Card’.
Step 4: Then you can download your ABHA card in PDF format.
FAQ
What is the use of ABHA health card in India?
ABHA health card plays a very important role in India’s healthcare system. As it can not only keep personal health records digitally for patients but also help doctors to track patients’ medical history and suggest the correct treatment. In short, it largely improves the efficiency of medical treatment and healthcare system management.
Are the ABHA card and Ayushman card the same?
No, they are different, although they are both under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
ABHA serves as a 14-digit health ID that is issued by the Indian government to mainly store medical information digitally and help citizens enjoy healthcare benefits.
Ayushman Bharat Card aims to offer financial assistance to economically challenged families so that they can easily access cashless medical treatment at designated hospitals.
How much does it cost to get an ABHA card?
It is free to get an ABHA card. You can create your AHBA ID online or through the nearest health facilities to get your ABHA card without any cost.
How long does it take to get an ABHA card?
It almost takes five to ten minutes. Just spend a couple of minutes filling out all the information required for registration, and then you can download your ABHA health card from the official website or the ABHA App easily.
Conclusion
In short, getting an ABHA card is vital for Indian citizens aged 18 to 59 years, because it will bring a lot of benefits concerning healthcare. It is easy to complete the registration both online and offline, just follow the above steps and then you can get your ABHA card in several minutes. With this card, you can track your medical history anytime, anywhere, and no one is allowed to access your record without your consent since it has high-level security.