What is the Difference Between an ABHA Card and an Ayushman Card
3–4 minutes
India’s healthcare system is rather diversified and dualistic incorporating state and private health organizations for serving the immense multi-faceted population. Although there have been improvements in the population’s access to health care, current issues include inadequate physical structures, and unequal distribution of facilities, and funds.
The past several years have seen the government come up with various measures to combat these difficulties to enhance the delivery of health care services. One of the key parts of these programs is the roll-out of new, individual health identifiers – the goal with these is to completely transform the field of healthcare and the experience of the patients.
This blog aims to shed light on two such identifiers: the ABHA card and the Ayushman Bharat card one, The other being the Ayushman Bharat card. This paper will aim at a comparative analysis of such players, as well as the identification of their key functions in the context of the Indian healthcare system.
What is Abha Card
Here ABHA represents Ayushman Bharat Health Account. It is a kind of 14-digit health ID number assigned to every Indian citizen to serve as an equivalent identifier throughout the comprehensive healthcare interface. In other words, just like you have an ID card for your physical health, this is your ID card for online health.
The planning of the unique health ID intends to establish a universal database of an individual’s health information. What this means is that all your Medical Records from consultations to prescriptions can be safely stored and retrievable through your ABHA card.
Benefits of Having an ABHA Card
- Access to health records: Your complete medical history is at your fingertips, improving the efficiency and accuracy of treatments.
- Secure and private health data: Your health information is encrypted, ensuring privacy and security.
- Facilitates telemedicine: With your ABHA card, doctors can access your medical records remotely, making telemedicine consultations more efficient and effective.
- Other potential benefits: The ABHA card is expected to streamline health insurance claims, enable personalized healthcare, and support public health programs
What is an Ayushman Bharat Card?
The Ayushman Bharat Card is a registered or identity card for the recipient of the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme which is a physical card or a mobile app. It is used to confirm the applicant’s suitability to be under the scheme.
Purpose of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is the primary healthcare Vehicles(insurance) plan of Gov. of India to offer free healthcare facilities to the poor of the country. It aims to deliver affordable subsequent and tertiary care through cashless hospitalization in package facilities is a target of the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for Ayushman Bharat
The SECC(Socio-Economic Caste Census) data is used as the criteria for qualifying for Ayushman Bharat. Ayushman card is provided to families who are deprived of healthcare facilities and categorized as below the poverty line families. This generally accounts for the bottom forty percent of the demographic pyramid of India.
Benefits under Ayushman Bharat
- Cashless hospitalization: Eligible beneficiaries can avail of cashless treatment for a wide range of diseases and procedures in impaneled hospitals across India.
- Coverage for various diseases: The scheme covers a comprehensive list of diseases and surgical procedures, providing financial protection to families against catastrophic health expenses.
- Package rates for treatments: To ensure transparency and affordability, the scheme offers pre-defined package rates for various medical procedures.
Key Differences Between ABHA and Ayushman Bharat Cards
| Feature | ABHA Card | Ayushman Bharat Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Unique health identifier | Proof of eligibility for Ayushman Bharat Yojana health insurance scheme |
| Eligibility | All Indian citizens | Economically weaker sections based on SECC data (bottom 40%) |
| Benefits | Access to health records, secure health data, facilitates telemedicine | Cashless hospitalization for covered diseases, pre-defined package rates |
| Data Privacy | Encrypted and user-controlled | Data stored within ABHA framework, user controls access |
Conclusion
While both the ABHA and Ayushman Bharat cards are significant steps toward improving India’s healthcare landscape, they serve distinct purposes. The ABHA card acts as a unique health identifier, providing a comprehensive digital health record. On the other hand, the Ayushman Bharat card offers financial protection for cashless hospitalization to eligible beneficiaries.
