NEWS: India has created over 90 crore unique ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) identity cards under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission as a part of Digital Health Ecosystem.

Key Initiatives

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)à Implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA)à it supports universal, affordable, accessible, and secure healthcare.
• Components of ABDMà ABHA Number (14-digit digital health identity), Healthcare Professionals Registry; National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) etc.
• Aarogya SetuàNational Health App integrated with ABDM, which provides access to digital health records.
• eSanjeevanià World’s largest documented telemedicine platform that connects Health & Wellness Centres with doctors and specialists.

Challenges: Digital Health Ecosystem

• Unequal access to the internet, smartphones limits adoption in rural and remote areasà Digital Divide
• Data Privacyà Large-scale collection of health data raises concerns regarding data misuse.
• Poor connectivity, unreliable electricity, and inadequate digital infrastructure hinder service delivery.

Significance of Digital Health Ecosystem

• Supports Universal Health Coverage (UHC)à Connects remote and underserved populations + makes healthcare more affordable and inclusive.
• Enables Evidence-Based Policymakingà Generates health data that supports better planning, resource allocation, and interventions.
• Strengthens Health System Resilienceà Supports healthcare delivery during emergencies, disasters, and pandemics.