No Mandatory Linking of CGHS beneficiary ID With ABHA ID for Central Govt Employees: Government
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that the mandatory linking of CGHS beneficiary ID with Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID has been on hold till further orders come. The ministry said they came to this decision after reviewing the earlier issued order of compulsory linking of both CGHS IDs and ABHA IDs.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated in an office Memorandum dated 25th June 2024, “Reference is invited to Office Memorandum dated 28.03.2024 pursuant to which the linking of CGHS Beneficiary ID with Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID (ABHA ID) has been made mandatory. It is stated that the Ministry reviewed the linking matter and the approval of Competent Authority is been directed via the undersigned that the implementation of the above-mentioned OM is put on hold until further order.”
Earlier, the ministry made the linking of both IDs mandatory. The order came into existence w.e.f 1st April 2024 and later was extended till 30th June 2024.
What is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID?
ABHA ID is a fourteen-digit number that is unique and it is to access, link and share one’s health records in multiple systems digitally. It is quite similar to a bank account number and this unique number is used to identify and authenticate anyone, whenever required.
How this ABHA number be beneficial?
Hospitals whether government or private, traditionally assign unique IDs for patients to keep health records and limit access only to the respective healthcare facility. It often requires patients to carry their medical history in physical form when they seek treatment somewhere else, this puts the burden of managing their health records on them.
As the ABHA ID is introduced, patients have an option to access their medical reports and consolidate them into a uniform digital platform that can be accessible nationwide.
Through this unique ABHA ID, the healthcare providers with the consent of patients can securely access their extensive medical history online. This will remove the need to keep physical records of medical documents of previous treatment and to carry them every time with them when they go for treatments in hospitals.
How linking CGHS beneficiary IDs with ABHA numbers will benefits central government employees?
The linking of both IDs will give access to the health records of central government employees on their mobile phones.
Earlier, the ministry said, the generated and linked health records can be viewed by CGHS beneficiaries on his/her preferred Personal Health Record (PHR) app downloaded.
An OPD appointment with a doctor will be made by CGHS beneficiaries in future via scanning a QR code through a mobile device present in front of the room of the doctor or registration desk in the wellness centre.
Central govt employees can still link CGHS beneficiary ID with ABHA ID?
Govt put no restrictions on linking CGHS beneficiary IDs with ABHA IDs for central government employees. If they want, they can still link both IDs. However, currently, the OM order is put on hold until further order comes.
