Srinagar, Dec 10: Jammu and Kashmir have set an ambitious goal to issue ABHA health cards to its entire population, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility and provide comprehensive coverage for residents in the region. Dr. Shafqat Khan, the Additional Mission Director of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), announced the initiative under the banner of ‘Ayushman Bhav,’ with plans to distribute ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) cards to all citizens within the next 45 days.
“We want to issue ABHA health cards to the entire population in Jammu and Kashmir within the next 45 days, and many activities are being conducted in this regard,” stated Dr. Khan. Information Education Communication (IEC) material is being distributed to motivate people to obtain their ABHA cards, and various programs are organized throughout J&K to popularize ABDM and enhance its implementation.
Nearly one crore individuals in Jammu and Kashmir have already obtained their ABHA IDs, marking a significant development in the digitization of healthcare in the region. Dr. Khan emphasized the aim to digitize the entire healthcare landscape, with these initiatives playing a crucial role in achieving that goal.
The ABDM, a part of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, aims to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the integrated digital health system in the country, bridging gaps among different stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem through digital means.
Dr. Khan highlighted that the implementation of ABDM is expected to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of health service delivery overall. Patients will have the ability to securely store and access their medical records, including prescriptions, diagnostic reports, and discharge summaries. This information can be shared with healthcare providers to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up.
The ABDM will offer individuals the choice to access both public and private health services, facilitate compliance with guidelines and protocols, and ensure transparency in pricing and accountability for health services. Remote access to health services through tele-consultation and e-pharmacy options will also be available.
Dr. Khan emphasized that the ABDM will streamline the claims process, enabling faster reimbursement and enhancing the overall ease of providing services among healthcare providers. In October of this year, ABDM J&K received the third position award for cueless OPD management in the Union Territory. This recognition reflects the dedication of the organizations involved in promoting healthcare and facilitating access to services for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
