India expands digital healthcare with smarter health platforms

Digital technology is rapidly transforming healthcare by making services more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric.

In this direction, the Centre has introduced a major expansion of India’s digital health ecosystem under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

The government has launched a revamped Aarogya Setu app along with several new digital health initiatives.

Initially developed as a Covid-19 contact-tracing application, Aarogya Setu has now evolved into a Personal Health Record (PHR) platform.

Users can create and manage their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), securely access digital medical records, and share health information through a consent-based system.

Moreover, the upgraded app offers AI-generated health insights and integrates data from wearable devices. Users can also register for outpatient services, pay hospital bills through in-app scan features, and locate nearby hospitals, doctors, blood banks, and ambulance services.

Additionally, the platform provides access to PM-JAY benefits, a digital insurance wallet, hospital empanelment search, and Ayushman CAPF policy details for eligible beneficiaries.

The government has also introduced an upgraded Ayushman App exclusively for PM-JAY beneficiaries.

The app enables users to verify eligibility, check treatment records, locate empanelled hospitals, and submit grievances. Furthermore, beneficiaries can access these services through Ayushman Sarathi, a WhatsApp chatbot designed to provide quick and convenient assistance.

To improve insurance processing, the National Health Authority has launched the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX). The platform standardises claim data exchange between hospitals and insurers, thereby reducing paperwork, minimising delays, and speeding up claim settlements.

Another utility converts insurers’ health plans into the globally accepted FHIR format, improving interoperability and reducing claim errors.

Healthcare providers will also benefit from e-Sushrut Clinic, a plug-and-play digital solution that helps clinics digitise patient records and connect with the national digital health network.

Besides this, the government has introduced a Drug Registry, Common LOINC Codes for laboratory data, and the Bharat Health Terminology Service to standardise medical information across healthcare systems.

Together, these initiatives strengthen India’s vision of a secure, integrated, and interoperable digital healthcare ecosystem, while making quality health services more accessible for citizens and healthcare providers alike.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 01, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/917209