India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is making strides towards creating a national digital health ecosystem. A key component of the mission is the creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs), 14-digit Unique Health Identifiers (formerly known as Health IDs) that enable citizen participation in the digital health framework. As of February 3, 2025, over 739 million ABHA IDs have been generated.
Nationwide Awareness Campaign
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has launched a comprehensive media and outreach strategy to raise awareness about the ABDM and empower beneficiaries about their entitlements and rights. The Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities include:
- Outdoor media campaigns
- Digital displays at railway station ticket counters
- Announcements at major bus stations and on passenger trains
- Branding initiatives
- National and regional press coverage
- Op-eds and advertorials in print media
- Radio campaigns
- Telecast of beneficiary testimonials on Doordarshan
- Mass messaging via SMS
- Traditional media engagement
Building a Digital Health Ecosystem
The creation of over 739 million ABHA IDs represents a significant milestone in the ABDM’s goal of establishing a robust and accessible digital health ecosystem. These health accounts will enable individuals to securely store and access their health records digitally, facilitating better healthcare management and improved health outcomes. The multi-faceted awareness campaign aims to ensure that citizens across the country understand the benefits of the ABDM and are empowered to participate in this transformative initiative.
