How to Explain ABHA to the Elderly?

What is an ABHA Card?

The ABHA card is a digital health ID that grants access to a patient's library of medical records. Managed by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), ABHA is a healthcare initiative run by the National Health Authority. It works as a centralised repository for facilitating the seamless sharing of medical information across various healthcare providers and stakeholders. This easily accessible repository ensures better coordination and an efficient healthcare ecosystem.

With a 14-digit unique identification number, the ABHA card stores the healthcare information of an individual in one place. This information can be accessed by authorised professionals only upon the consent of the cardholder.
 

Main Features of ABHA

ABHA has a range of features that can transform the healthcare journey of any patient. Some of them are discussed below:
 

1. 14-digit Universal ID and ABHA Address

The ABHA card has a 14-digit number identification number that makes any individual a participant in India’s digital healthcare ecosystem. Users also get an ABHA address that allows them to access or share their health records digitally.

2. Online Management of Health Records

An individual's health-related information, such as prescriptions, lab reports and medical history, is stored here digitally. This makes all the essential records digitally accessible 24/7 for different healthcare providers.

3. Integration with National Digital Health Ecosystem

The ABHA card integrates with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. This integration enables patients to share health-related data with healthcare service providers when needed. It also ensures that relevant healthcare information is available for timely treatment.

4. Security

The ABHA card has stringent security protocols to ensure that an individual’s information remains confidential and can only be accessed by authorised entities.

5. Voluntary Opt Out

Individuals can choose to create, temporarily deactivate or permanently delete their ABHA number according to their preference and convenience.

How is ABHA Beneficial, Especially for Elderly?

The ABHA card offers an organised way to streamline healthcare for individuals, especially senior citizens. By creating a unified healthcare ID, senior citizens can remain assured that all crucial healthcare information will always be available at their fingertips.

Here’s how the ABHA card can help senior citizens take control of their healthcare journey.

One-stop Destination for All Medical Information

Senior citizens no longer have to worry about misplacing reports or forgetting previous prescriptions during follow-ups. The ABHA card contains all medical documents in one place, eliminating the need to struggle and maintain a confusing collection of physical documents. This is a tremendous advantage for senior citizens as it reduces the stress and hassle that usually accompany organising physical documents.

Better Readiness During Emergencies

During medical emergencies, every second counts. In order to start the treatment, doctors have to browse through the patient’s previous medical records and the medicines they take regularly, amongst other things, in order to plan the next course of action.

In such cases, searching for physical documents like medical reports or insurance plans can be time-consuming and risky. On the contrary, the ABHA card can display all the relevant information in an instant. This not only helps start treatment immediately but also aids in settling claims and availing benefits within a limited time.

Better Access to Doctors and Healthcare Facilities

Owing to its integration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission ecosystem, the ABHA card can also help individuals find ideal doctors. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between healthcare facility seekers and providers.

Through this system, senior citizens can easily look for registered doctors, hospitals, clinics, specialists and more within the ABDM network available nearby. This is especially beneficial for elderly individuals in need of immediate care. Moreover, seniors with mobility challenges can opt for teleconsultation as well to claim medical attention without travelling.
 

Consistency

When moving to a new city and starting treatment with a new doctor, it's possible that some of the previous medical records might be misplaced or damaged during the move. Under such challenging circumstances, the ABHA health card can be a valuable solution.

Since it stores all health records, the chosen healthcare provider can access all past medical records, guaranteeing an easy continuation of treatment with no delays.
 

Wrapping Up

With so many benefits and facilities, the ABHA card is definitely a game-changer for elderly individuals as it offers a secure, efficient and streamlined way to manage healthcare information. From keeping medical documents secure and organised to ensuring quick access to healthcare facilities during emergencies, the ABHA card can reduce stress and improve outcomes.
 

FAQs

1. Is the ABHA card useful in private hospitals?

The ABHA card is useful in both private and public hospitals.

2. Does the ABHA card provide health insurance?

The ABHA card does not cover medical expenses incurred during treatment. However, it does contain records of information related to insurance and other benefits that users are eligible for.

3. How to get an ABHA card hard copy?

To get a hard copy of an ABHA card, the ABHA app can be downloaded from Play Store. After logging into the account, users can click on "View Health Card" to access the option to download the ABHA card in PDF format. Once downloaded, it can be printed for use.