A Deep Dive into ABDM and ABHA ID with MyDigiRecords - Unlocking the Power of Digital Health

The Indian healthcare ecosystem is undergoing a digital transformation, and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is at the forefront of this revolution. From simplifying medical records to enabling seamless access to health services, ABDM is creating a unified digital health infrastructure for over 1.4 billion Indians. But what does this mean for you as a patient, a doctor, or a digital health enthusiast?

In this comprehensive blog, we explore:

  • What is ABDM and why it was launched
  • What is an ABHA ID and how to create it
  • Who is Eligible to Create an ABHA ID?
  • Key benefits of ABDM for citizens and providers
  • Real-world use cases and future potential
  • How MyDigiRecords (MDR App) is aligned with and supports ABDM
  • Data insights into adoption and challenges

Let’s decode the future of healthcare—digitally.

ABHA ID New Screen

What Is ABDM? Understanding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

Launched on September 27, 2021, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a flagship initiative by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The core objective is to digitally integrate India’s fragmented healthcare system.

At the heart of ABDM lies a unique health identifier called ABHA ID (Ayushman Bharat Health Account), which acts like a digital health passport for every citizen.

Key Components of ABDM:

Component

Description

ABHA ID

Unique 14-digit health ID to link all health records

ABHA Address

A username like email (e.g., amit@ndhm) used for sharing records

Personal Health Record (PHR)

Secure digital locker for storing medical history

Health Facility Registry (HFR)

Verified directory of hospitals and clinics

Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR)

Directory of verified doctors and specialists

Health Information Exchange (HIE-CM)

Secure sharing of health data across systems

Why ABDM? The Need for a Digital Health Ecosystem

Before ABDM, most Indians had paper-based, disconnected health records, making continuity of care difficult. ABDM solves these problems by offering a tech-enabled, patient-centric model.

The Challenges ABDM Tackles:

  • Lack of unified medical history
  • No seamless way to share diagnostic reports
  • Difficulty in identifying fake practitioners
  • Poor data for public health decisions
  • Unregulated digital health apps

ABDM’s Mission:

“To develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country.”

It’s not just about digitization – it’s about empowering individuals with ownership and access to their health data.

What is ABHA ID and How to Create One?

The ABHA ID (formerly Health ID) is a 14-digit unique health identifier provided under ABDM. Think of it like an Aadhaar for your health data—but optional and privacy-conscious.

Steps to Create an ABHA ID:

You can create an ABHA ID using any ABDM-enabled platform like the official website, mobile app, hospital portal, or MyDigiRecords.

Method 1: Via Aadhaar

  1. Visit https://healthid.ndhm.gov.in
  2. Click on “Create ABHA ID”
  3. Select Aadhaar and verify with OTP
  4. Fill basic demographic info

Set your ABHA address (e.g., vipin@ndhm)

Method 2: Via Driving License

  1. Same process as above
  2. You will get an Enrolment Number
  3. Visit a nearest ABDM-approved facility to complete KYC

Method 3: Using MyDigiRecords App

MyDigiRecords offers one-click ABHA creation within the app, saving you time while keeping all your health data securely organized.

Who is Eligible to Create an ABHA ID?

The ABHA ID is voluntary, and every resident of India is eligible to create one—regardless of age, income, or health condition. There are no restrictions based on occupation, education, or geography.

Basic Eligibility Criteria:

Requirement

Details

Citizenship

Must be a resident of India

Age

No age restriction – available for children, adults, and elderly

ID Proof

Aadhaar, Driving License, or basic demographic info

Mobile Number

Required for OTP-based verification

Consent

You must give digital consent to generate ABHA ID

Benefits of ABHA ID for Citizens

For Individuals:

  • One ID for all health records—no more lost files
  • Access your records anytime, anywhere
  • Share reports with doctors instantly via QR or ABHA address
  • Opt-in/opt-out any time – you control your data

Helps in remote consultations and second opinions

For Healthcare Providers:

  • Faster diagnosis via shared records
  • Avoid duplication of tests
  • Standardized patient onboarding
  • Integration with HPR and HFR

Where Can You Use Your ABHA ID?

The ABHA ID is now being accepted across hundreds of public and private hospitals, clinics, and labs across India.

Real-Life Use Cases:

Use Case

How ABHA Helps

Doctor Visit

Doctor can access past records with your permission

Emergency Care

Quick access to allergies, meds, surgeries

Diagnostics

Labs upload test results directly to your health locker

Telemedicine

Doctors can consult using digital history

Insurance Claims

Faster verification of diagnosis & procedures

MyDigiRecords + ABDM: A Powerful Partnership

MyDigiRecords (MDR) is not just another health tracking app—it is a certified ABDM-integrated platform, making it easier for users to:

  • Create and manage their ABHA ID
  • Automatically fetch and store reports from labs/hospitals
  • Securely share data with healthcare providers
  • Track vitals via SmartVitals face scan
  • Get reminders for check-ups, vaccinations, or chronic care

In short, MDR acts as your personal digital health assistant, fully aligned with ABDM protocols.

ABDM Adoption: What the Data Tells Us

As of June 2025, here’s how ABDM is growing:

Metric

Value

Total ABHA IDs Created

55+ Crore

Health Records Linked

34+ Crore

Facilities Registered (HFR)

2.5+ Lakh

Professionals Registered (HPR)

1.1+ Lakh

Challenges Still Ahead:

  • Low awareness in rural India
  • Concerns around privacy and security
  • Need for multilingual, simplified interfaces
  • Manual entry still needed in smaller clinics

That’s where platforms like MDR come in—to bridge the gap between advanced tech and user-friendly healthcare access.

FAQs about ABDM and ABHA ID

Is ABHA ID mandatory?

No, it’s voluntary. But highly recommended for continuity of care.

Is it safe to share ABHA ID?

Yes, your data is shared only with your consent, and is end-to-end encrypted.

What if I lose my ABHA ID?

You can recover it via your registered mobile number or MDR dashboard.

Can I delete my ABHA ID?

Yes, you can deactivate or delete your ABHA ID anytime via the official portal or MDR app.

Conclusion: Digital Health Is Here to Stay

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is not just a government program—it’s a people-first digital revolution in healthcare. With the ABHA ID, individuals are now at the center of their own health journey.

And with smart platforms like MyDigiRecords, accessing the benefits of ABDM is now easier, faster, and safer.

It’s time to take charge of your health.
Create your ABHA ID today with MyDigiRecords Appand step into the future of healthcare.

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