Tamil Nadu achieves 2.54 crore ABHA accounts, expands digital health integration

The Tamil Nadu government has accelerated the creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA), with 2.54 crore accounts established so far. The initiative is being integrated with the state's Health Management Information System 3.0 (HMIS 3.0) across government health institutions.

ABHA is a 14-digit unique health identifier created using an Aadhaar number. It is a key feature of the Union government's Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), launched in 2021, which aims to create a digital health records ecosystem.

Over the years, government health facilities, including primary health centres, have been creating ABHA for patients. The initiative has gained pace with HMIS 3.0 being ABHA-compliant. HMIS 3.0 is an upgraded digital system designed to streamline healthcare processes, improve data accuracy, and ensure seamless integration across all government healthcare facilities.

An official explained that Tamil Nadu has a population of about eight crore, with nearly half relying on government hospitals. The goal is to create ABHA IDs for at least 50% of the population as a first step. Efforts include setting up 'May I Help You' desks at government hospitals to raise awareness. The process has not yet been expanded to government headquarters hospitals, but measures are being taken to include them and medical college hospitals.

Officials highlighted the benefits of ABHA for doctors, patients, and policymakers. It enables the creation of digital health records, reducing dependence on physical records. ABDM-enabled hospitals can upload patients' medical records, including prescriptions, laboratory reports, and diagnostic images such as CT scans. Patients can access these records digitally using a personal health record (PHR) application on their mobile phone. When visiting another ABDM-enabled facility, doctors can view the records with the patient's consent on a PHR app, ensuring continuity of care.

Creation of ABHA is based on consent and can be done via OTP or biometric authentication. It is a secure and interoperable digital health account, officials said.

However, a government doctor at a medical college hospital noted that while digital health is beneficial in this technology-driven era, certain factors need attention. "Issues such as privacy breach and data theft need to be monitored," he said. Doctors also emphasised the need for all hospitals to have the required infrastructure, including computers, WiFi connectivity, and adequate manpower for HMIS and ABHA integration.