Govt Directs Compulsory Linking of CGHS ID with ABHA IDs

As of April 2, only 21,362 CGHS IDs have been linked with ABHA IDs, a fraction of its extensive reach.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a directive mandating the compulsory linking of the Central Government Health Services (CGHS) beneficiary ID with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID for the digital integration of healthcare services.

This initiative falls under the ambit of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) which aims to streamline various government health schemes onto a unified digital platform.

The directive, outlined in an office memorandum signed by Manoj Goel, director, CGHS, underscores the importance of creating a digital health identification system for CGHS beneficiaries and storing their health records digitally under ABDM.

Mandatory from April 1st

The memorandum specifies that linking CGHS ID with ABHA ID becomes mandatory from April 1, 2024. Existing CGHS beneficiaries are required to complete the linkage within 30 days of the implementation date.

CGHS, a scheme catering to central government employees, pensioners, and their dependent family members, currently encompasses more than 4.4 million individuals across 75 cities.

Despite its extensive reach, only a fraction of CGHS IDs have been linked with ABHA IDs as of April 2, with a count of 21,362, according to information sourced from the CGHS dashboard.

Speaking on the significance of this integration, Shuchin Bajaj, founder, and director of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, said, "By integrating these IDs, the government is aiming to streamline healthcare services and enhance patient identification by facilitating seamless sharing of digital health records across platforms."

Sunil Rao, chief operating officer, Sahyadri Group of Hospitals, Pune, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the benefits of consolidating digital health records for easier access and management of medical history and treatment data.

Given the coverage of government employees under the CGHS scheme, Rao expressed confidence in the government's ability to enforce the linkage effectively within the stipulated deadline.

Will the Integration Hinder Privacy?

While experts acknowledge the potential benefits of this integration, they also raise concerns ranging technical and privacy issues.

Bajaj cautioned that the implementation process might encounter technical hurdles, such as data integration issues or system compatibility concerns, which could disrupt healthcare delivery temporarily.

Any delay or disruption in the linking process could limit beneficiaries' access to healthcare services or digital health records until integration is completed. Rao highlighted privacy concerns, emphasizing the need for robust data protection measures and adherence to privacy regulations.

Despite assurances from the government regarding encryption and protection of digital records under the Digital Protection of Data and Privacy Act, Rao stressed the importance of clear guidelines to safeguard the privacy of individuals' health information.

Technical hurdles and privacy concerns underscore the need for meticulous planning and stringent data protection measures to ensure the seamless transition to a unified digital health ecosystem.