How are Remote Areas in India Adopting ABHA?
To strengthen the healthcare system nationwide, even in the remote parts of India, the government has launched the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. ABHA, or Ayushman Bharat Health Account, is an initiative of this mission. It facilitates online health account registration and secure sharing of medical information across healthcare providers.
With such benefits, villages with under-resourced healthcare infrastructure can access better healthcare facilities with the ABHA account. Here are some of the ways how remote areas in India are getting familiar with ABHA:
● Digital Infrastructure Development
Thanks to the robust network coverage across the country, even remote villages in India can now access the internet. With this strong digital backbone, villagers can register for ABHA cards and manage their health records effectively. As of February 2024, India witnesses above 55 crore ABHA accounts from all parts of the country, integrating digital health records for advanced healthcare even in rural areas.
● Community Engagement
With the initiatives of the National Health Mission (NHM) to train the local health workers in rural areas regarding the digital healthcare system, villagers are also being educated. Health workers help villagers understand the benefits of having a health account and guide them through the registration process by conducting several outreach programs.
● Integration with Existing Health Schemes
ABHA complements existing government health schemes like the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides financial coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. This integration ensures that apart from health records, villagers have access to financial protection against the ever-rising health expenditures.
Possibilities for Health Improvement in Remote Areas Through ABHA
With ABHA, the possibilities of healthcare infrastructure development in remote areas are:
● Enhanced Access to Healthcare Services
ABHA facilitates easy access to medical records for people living in remote areas. It ensures that they receive healthcare consultations at the right time. Also, individuals with chronic diseases benefit from such services as they help manage their condition effectively.
● Telemedicine Expansion
Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts support telemedicine, which allows patients to consult doctors remotely. This is especially beneficial for remote villages where specialist services are often unavailable. Virtual consultations help reduce the travel time and costs for patients.
● Data-driven Health Management
The comprehensive data collected through ABHA can be utilised to identify community health trends. It helps healthcare providers to take strategic initiatives to tackle or identify prevalent diseases.
● Informative Empowerment
With ABHA, individuals can control their health data and make informed decisions about their healthcare. This informative approach can lead the villagers to adopt healthier lifestyles and better treatment.
Benefits and Challenges of ABHA in Rural Health Care Development
While ABHA offers numerous advantages for rural healthcare development, it also comes with certain challenges. Find them listed in the table below:
Benefits
| Challenges
|
|---|
ABHA ensures that patients receive comprehensive treatment thanks to its coordination with reliable healthcare providers.
| Despite technological advancements, some remote areas may still lack adequate internet connectivity or digital literacy among residents. This can hinder the effective use of ABHA services.
|
ABHA reduces overall healthcare costs for patients and healthcare providers by streamlining the treatment procedures.
| Many rural areas still face challenges related to the lack of basic healthcare infrastructure. This can limit the effectiveness of digital initiatives like ABHA if not accompanied by physical improvements in service delivery.
|
The initiative promotes awareness about health issues and available services, which contributes to educating a large population nationwide.
|
|
Final Words
Integrating ABHA in remote villages marks a significant step in enhancing healthcare accessibility and improving health outcomes in India. Furthermore, improvements in digital technologies, proper education related to healthcare needs, etc., have enhanced ABHA's potential to transform rural healthcare delivery.
FAQs
What is an ABHA card?
An ABHA card is a unique identifier that allows individuals to manage their health records digitally across various healthcare providers in India.
How does ABHA improve telemedicine?
ABHA enables secure sharing of medical information between patients and providers. It facilitates virtual consultations with doctors and online payments for telehealth services.
Are there any costs associated with obtaining an ABHA card?
ABHA card registrations are generally free. However, it may involve costs depending on the specific healthcare provider or treatment needed.
An ISO 9001:2015 
