What Happens to Your ABHA Data if You Delete Your Account?

What is ABHA?

 

It is essential to understand the significance of the ABHA before looking into the details of the deletion process.

The ABHA is an individual digital identity issued to every citizen as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. This unique number helps registered citizens compile their health records, including personal health data, treatment history, diagnoses, prescriptions and all other medical documents, into one single digital account. It acts as a convenient and centralized resource for managing health information across diverse healthcare providers.

Through Ayushman Digital Mission, ABHA aims to create a universal health record that individuals can access and share with healthcare professionals. In addition, this can also be used to obtain medical services in both public and private health sectors.

 

How to Delete Your ABHA Account?

 

If the user wants to discontinue availing the ABHA ecosystem, there are two ways of doing it:

• Delete ABHA Number: Individuals have the option to permanently remove their ABHA account.
• Deactivate ABHA Number: Individuals can temporarily suspend their ABHA account.

If a user wants to delete, deactivate or reactivate their ABHA account, the ABDM consent manager immediately sends a notification to the various HIP/HIU/HL/HRP associated with the ABHA Account.

After receiving such notification, the following deletion procedure takes place:

 

In the case of HIP/HRP entities:

 

• After receiving a delete request, the HIP/HRP unlinks the deleted ABHA number from the health data platform. Entities are required to delete all such health data associated with the deleted ABHA number.
• After the removal of user data from the database, HIP acknowledges the notification with a confirmation message. The message notifies that the requested ABHA number will be unlinked within seven days from the date of receiving such notification. Failure by any entity to do so can result in a penalty.
• Further, the HIP/HRP stops generating and linking any health records with the user’s deleted ABHA Account.

 

In the case of HIU:

 

• Upon receiving the delete request notification, the Health Information Unit (HIU) disassociates the specified ABHA number from any health records linked to the user in their database.

 

In the case of HL:

 

• After receiving the delete notification, the Health lockers permanently disable authentication/login via the deleted ABHA number for such an account.
• It is recommended that health lockers provide access to users through authentication methods other than ABHA Number.

 

Implications of Deleting ABHA Data

 

Permanently deleting the ABHA account may result in the following consequences:

• Permanent Account Data Deletion: The ABHA system is designed to delete all relevant health records from its platform at the time of account deletion. This includes personal health information, diagnostic reports, prescriptions, and other medical records associated with the individual's ABHA ID. Once deleted, this data will be permanently unavailable to both the user and any authorised healthcare professionals.
• No Access to Historical Records: Once the account is deleted, users will lose access to their historical health data. This loss can have serious implications, especially in scenarios where users require this information for future medical treatments, diagnoses, or consultations. Healthcare providers who previously accessed the user's records through ABHA will also not be able to retrieve or reference this information.
• Consequences for continuity of care: This removal can seriously affect continuity of care if an individual's ABHA account has been used to store and share his/her health records with healthcare providers. For instance, a patient might need follow-up treatment based on previous medical records or lab results that may no longer be available in his/her account after deletion.
• Account Reactivation: Users who have perhaps deleted their ABHA account and want to reactivate it should know that the whole process does not restore deleted data. The deletion process usually is irreversible. Therefore, once the account and related information are deleted, no one can recover it.

 

Data Security and Legal Considerations

 

Users do have a choice to delete their ABHA account with the pertinent data. However, the usage, storage and dissemination of health data are subject to legal and regulatory control. ABHA is determined to respect and comply with these regulations during the whole process of deleting data.

Although data is typically deleted from the service, healthcare providers who have obtained consent to access and retain this data may retain copies based on their legal obligations. This way, even when accounts are deleted, an individual's health information could be preserved in certain circumstances where it is legally or medically necessary to do so.

 

Wrapping Up

 

Account deletion results in the permanent deletion of a person's health records from the ABHA platform. It renders health records inaccessible to both the user and the healthcare provider’s dependent on them. It is important for users to note that after account deletion, the health data is irretrievably lost within the ABHA system. However, third-party retention policies might be applicable in some cases.

Before proceeding with deletion, users should weigh the consequences of deleting their ABHA account against potential future health needs and access to their medical records.

 

FAQs

 

1. Can I delete my ABHA number?

Yes, you can delete your ABHA number permanently to delete your account. However, it is important to know that deleting the ABHA account will permanently delete all the health records and data stored in the ABHA health ID card.

2. Is ABHA secure?

The medical data submitted by the user in the ABHA account remains confidential and safe. It follows numerous, stringent security measures to keep the user data safe and secure.

3. How to recover the ABHA number?

If the user forgets his/her ABHA number, he/she can recover it by using the Aadhaar number or mobile number initially used to create the ABHA account.