Cabinet approves implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

The role of technology in solving health issues and addressing mass health concerns have been proven during the Covid-19 pandemic. The use of applications like CoWIN, Arogya Setu and eSanjeevani has shown that the use of digital technology can play a big role in enabling access to health.

Keeping this in mind, the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the national roll-out of the Central Sector Scheme, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The Mission has a budget of Rs.1,600 crore for five years.

The nodal implementing body for the scheme will be the National Health Authority (NHA). “Digital health solutions across healthcare ecosystem have proven to be of immense benefit over the years, with CoWIN, Arogya Setu and eSanjeevani further demonstrating the role technology can play in enabling access to healthcare. However, there is a need to integrate such solutions for continuum of care, and effective utilization of resources,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a press statement released after the announcement the mission.

The Ministry has further added, “Based on the foundations laid down in the form of Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile (JAM) trinity and other digital initiatives of the government, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is creating a seamless online platform through the provision of a wide-range of data, information and infrastructure services, duly leveraging open, interoperable, standards-based digital systems while ensuring the security, confidentiality and privacy of health-related personal information.”