Everything to know about Digital Health ID Card

Over the past few years, India has been taking major strides towards digitalisation through its various digital initiatives. One such initiative is the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which was created under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and launched in September 2021. Under this initiative, the government aims to provide a digital Health ID (Identification card) to all citizens, which will contain their health records.Since the announcement was made in September, there has been several talks about it and what the card will entail. So, in the write-up, we list down five vital points about digital health ID cards that everyone must know.

• Under the National Digital Health Mission, the government of India aims to provide all Indian citizens a health ID card with a unique health account.
• The new health ID card is fully technology-based, and it will have a unique 14-digit health identification number. The number will be different and unique for all citizens.
• One of the primary reasons why the government wants to issue these health ID cards is to create a repository of health-related information of the citizens. With the help of these IDs, every card holder can view their past medical history, including treatment availed.
• The new digital ID is designed in a way that it contains all the vital health-relation information. It includes details of all the illnesses you may have had, the tests diagnostic tests you have taken and the reports, and medicines prescribed by the doctor. Every time you visit a doctor or a pharmacy, all the details including prescriptions will be logged into the health ID card.
• By issuing the digital health ID card to all citizens, the government wants to enable everyone to get access to healthcare across the country without any hassles. This means, the healthcare professional from anywhere in India can access your health records and recommend the best treatment solution.

Before rolling out the Digital Health ID card to all citizens, the government of India created over one lakh unique health IDs under the National Digital Health Mission on a pilot basis. The cards were launched across six states and union territories.

One of the most important concerns that citizens have about the digital health card is their health-related information being accessible to all and if others can see it without consent. However, the authorities have clarified that the health records cannot be accessed with the concerned individual’s consent. Thus, you can be sure it is a reliable repository.

No, it is not mandatory to get a digital health card. You can get it voluntarily and it is available for free. However, it is advisable that you get this card so that you can be able to get access to the best healthcare facilities using it.

The digital health ID is created using the applicant’s basic information such as mobile number or Aadhaar card number. The application process is quite simple. Follow the steps listed below to apply for your digital health ID card.

Step 1

Visit the official National Digital Health Mission website : https://ndhms.gov.in

Step 2

Go to the health ID section and click on the create health ID from the options listed

Step 3

You will be redirected to a new page, where you must choose from one of three options mentioned therein.

• Generate your Health ID via Aadhaar
• I don’t have Aadhaar / I don’t want to use my Aadhaar for creating Health ID
• Already have a Health ID? Login

Step 4

If you have an Aadhaar card and want to use it to create your Health ID card, choose option 1 and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar card number.If you don’t have an Aadhaar card or don’t want to use it for creating a health ID card, choose the second option. When you choose this option, you can create your health card by providing your mobile number. Enter your mobile number and the OTP to finish the application process.

The digital health ID card is an excellent initiative by the government that aims to make healthcare easily accessible for all.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.