Written by : Jayati Dubey
June 7, 2024
The ABHA-based scan and share service simplifies the OPD registration process by allowing patients to scan a QR code at the registration counter.
Through its Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)-based scan and share service, the National Health Authority (NHA) has generated over 3 Cr tokens for outpatient department (OPD) registrations at hospitals.
The Union Health Ministry announced this achievement on Thursday, highlighting the service's transformative impact on patient experiences across India.
Launched in 2022 under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the ABHA-based scan and share service simplifies the OPD registration process by allowing patients to scan a QR code at the registration counter.
This action instantly shares their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) profile for registration, eliminating the need for lengthy wait times.
The service is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with mobility challenges, as it enables them to access healthcare services more efficiently.
The scan and share service is operational in over 5,435 healthcare facilities across 546 districts. On average, about 1.3 Lakh individuals utilize the service daily, highlighting its effectiveness and popularity among patients.
The Health Ministry noted that the service has significantly streamlined patient registration processes in public health facilities, enhancing overall service efficiency.
Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Jammu and Kashmir have been at the forefront of adopting this digital solution. These states have demonstrated impressive statistics, reflecting their commitment to improving healthcare accessibility through technology.
Uttar Pradesh leads with 92.7 Lakh tokens generated, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 53.7 Lakh, Karnataka with 39.9 Lakh, and Jammu and Kashmir with 37.1 Lakh.
The ABDM public dashboard reveals notable usage of the scan and share service in key institutions such as AIIMS in Delhi, Bhopal, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar.
AIIMS New Delhi, for instance, has generated 14.9 Lakh tokens, while hospitals in Bhopal, Prayagraj, and Raipur have facilitated 6.7 Lakh, 5.1 Lakh, and 4.9 Lakh tokens respectively.
Sixteen hospitals from Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir are among the top performers in terms of OPD tokens generated, underscoring their dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and operational efficiency.
The NHA emphasized that the scan-and-share service significantly reduces the need for manual paperwork and waiting times, making hospital visits more efficient.
This digital solution facilitates quick and secure exchange of information, benefiting approximately 1,30,000 patients daily, particularly those with urgent healthcare needs and vulnerable groups.
The NHA reported that around 75% of tokens are generated by first-time users, while 25% are for patients returning for subsequent visits. This high adoption rate indicates the service's widespread acceptance and effectiveness among patients across the country.
The NHA's efforts in digitizing healthcare processes contribute to a more efficient and accessible healthcare system, improving patient experiences and streamlining healthcare services nationwide.