DHSK urges adoption of ABHA Card for streamlined digital health records, timely medical care access

Pampore: The Health Block in Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has achieved a significant milestone by distributing 42,000 ABHA Cards to enhance healthcare accessibility.
Despite 90,000 cards being generated without portal registration, Block Medical Officer Dr Asima Nazir foresees increased coverage with upcoming registrations. The ABHA Card includes patient records, ensuring a comprehensive medical history for efficient healthcare services. The completion of total ABHA Card coverage in Pampore is expected in the coming weeks, health officials told Kashmir Reader.
Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is the initiative of the National Health Authority (NHA). It is a health savings account launched under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). It is designed to provide financial assistance to the economically weaker section for their healthcare needs.
With ABHA, citizens can store their medical and health records in a centralized account and access it through their unique ABHA ID.
The ABHA numbers (a 14-digit unique health ID) can be generated using an Aadhaar card or mobile number and allow users to share their health records digitally with hospitals, clinics, insurance providers, and others.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Dr Asima said that ABHA Cards are now being distributed across various health sectors in the Pampore health block. In the ongoing initiative, a total of 42,000 ABHA Cards have been successfully distributed to their respective recipients through well-coordinated efforts. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to healthcare services and efficiently provide benefits through the widespread distribution of ABHA Cards in the district.
She said that despite no registration on the portal, almost 90,000 ABHA Cards have been generated in the health block of Pampore. Once registered, these cards will significantly contribute to maximizing the coverage of ABHA Cards. “ABHA Cards will bring significant benefits to the general public in the community. Whether individuals have existing records or not, their information will be recorded through the ABHA Cards,” she said.
She said that the ABHA Card will include the previous records of the patient, preserving their entire medical history. This feature is expected to be advantageous for both concerned officers and patients. Dr Asma expressed hope that the total coverage of ABHA Cards in Pampore will be completed in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Director of Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, emphasized the significance of the ABHA Card, stating that in today’s digital India era, it is crucial for everyone. “The ABHA Card ensures that your complete health history is digitally recorded, facilitating a seamless process when you visit a hospital or consult with a doctor. Whether you come to the hospital on the same day or have a prior appointment with your doctor, the ABHA Card streamlines the process, providing quick access to your health records,” he said.
“If someone undergoes an X-ray after two days, that record will be lost. Similarly, after four days or even a month, the CT scan report also tends to disappear. For the people, it is a very beneficial facility. My request would be for people to come and get their ABHA Card made,” he said, adding that having the ABHA Card provides them with a facility, ensuring that their health records are available if they travel somewhere during winter.
In Kashmir, many people travel outside during winter, be it to Delhi, Mumbai, or elsewhere. In case someone falls ill there, having the ABHA Card is crucial, Dr Rather said, adding, “The doctor can then access the entire medical history, including previous treatments, conditions like blood pressure, and other relevant information. This comprehensive record helps the doctor understand the individual’s health status and previous medical interventions.”

BILAL HABIB