India's healthcare system is becoming more digitally connected through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). If you are wondering what is an ABHA card and how it works, one important part of this ecosystem is ABHA — Ayushman Bharat Health Account.
An ABHA Card gives you a unique 14-digit ABHA number that works as your digital health identity. It can help connect supported health records from participating hospitals, laboratories and other healthcare providers, making your medical history easier to access digitally.
Creating an ABHA is free and voluntary.
What Is an ABHA Card Used For?
The main purpose of ABHA is to make your health information more connected.
Imagine getting a blood test at one laboratory, visiting another hospital a few months later and having prescriptions from a third healthcare provider. Normally, these records may remain scattered across different systems.
With ABHA, supported records from participating healthcare providers can be linked to your digital health identity. You can then access and manage eligible records through an ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record (PHR) app.
A simple way to understand it is:
ABHA → Connects Your Digital Health Identity → PHR App → Helps Manage Your Health Records
Benefits of an ABHA Card
Having an ABHA can make digital health-record management easier in several ways:
Provides a unique digital health identity
Helps link supported records from participating hospitals and laboratories
Allows eligible ABHA-linked records to be accessed through compatible PHR apps
Supports consent-based sharing of health information
Can be used for Scan & Register at participating hospitals
ABHA doesn't mean that every doctor automatically gets access to your complete medical history. ABDM uses a consent-based approach for exchanging health information.
ABHA Card vs Ayushman Card
One common confusion is thinking that an ABHA Card and an Ayushman Card are the same. They are different and serve different purposes.
ABHA Card | Ayushman Card |
|---|---|
Part of ABDM | Associated with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
Provides a digital health identity | Used by eligible PM-JAY beneficiaries |
Has a unique 14-digit ABHA number | Serves a different scheme purpose |
Helps connect supported digital health records | Helps eligible beneficiaries access healthcare benefits under PM-JAY |
Does not itself provide health insurance | Benefits depend on PM-JAY eligibility |
So, simply remember:
ABHA Card = Digital Health Identity
Ayushman Card = PM-JAY benefits for eligible beneficiaries
Creating an ABHA does not automatically provide ₹5 lakh health insurance or make a person eligible for PM-JAY.
How Does ABHA Work With a PHR App?
ABHA and a Personal Health Record (PHR) app work together, but they aren't the same thing.
Your ABHA identifies you within the digital health ecosystem, while a PHR app helps you manage your health information.
Through an ABDM-enabled PHR app, supported ABHA-linked records from participating hospitals and laboratories can become part of your digital health history.
Some PHR apps go further by helping users organize existing medical reports, prescriptions, medicines, vitals, family health information and health trends alongside their connected records.
This can make ABHA more useful in everyday healthcare—not just as a number, but as part of a more organized health history.
How Can You Create an ABHA Card?
Creating an ABHA Card is free and voluntary, and there are several ways to create one. The National Health Authority provides both online and assisted options, so you don't necessarily need to visit a hospital just to get started.
1. Create ABHA Online
You can create an ABHA online through the official ABHA portal. The official ABDM guidance states that an Aadhaar number and mobile number can be used for instant ABHA creation. Create ABHA on the official portal
The basic process is:
Enter details → Verify OTP → Complete your profile → Create ABHA
Once created, you'll receive your unique 14-digit ABHA number.
2. Create ABHA Through Supported Apps
ABHA can also be created through supported digital health applications. Official ABDM material mentions options such as the ABHA App, ExaHealth App, Aarogya Setu and other ABDM-compatible applications.
This can be convenient if you're already using a PHR or digital health application that supports ABHA registration.
3. Create ABHA at a Healthcare Facility
You can also create an ABHA by visiting an ABDM-registered healthcare facility that provides ABHA services.
This option can be useful for people who aren't comfortable creating an ABHA online or who are already visiting a participating hospital or healthcare facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of ABHA?
ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account.
How many digits are in an ABHA number?
An ABHA number contains 14 digits.
Is an ABHA Card free?
Yes. Creating an ABHA is free and voluntary.
Is ABHA the same as an Ayushman Card?
No. ABHA is a digital health identity under ABDM, while the Ayushman Card is associated with PM-JAY benefits for eligible beneficiaries.
Can I access medical records using ABHA?
Supported health records linked to your ABHA can be accessed and managed through compatible ABDM-enabled PHR applications.
A More Connected Health Journey
The ABHA Card is designed to give you a common digital health identity across India's growing digital healthcare ecosystem.
Instead of your supported medical records remaining disconnected across different healthcare providers, ABHA can help connect them and make them easier to access through compatible PHR apps—with your consent.
As digital healthcare continues to grow in India, ABHA can become an important link between you, your healthcare providers and your health records.
One ABHA. A more connected health history.