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What Is ABHA? Your Free Health ID, Explained

India has created over 98 crore ABHAs, but most people never use theirs. What it is, why it matters, and how to create or link yours.

Written by
MyMedicare Editorial Team
Published
Reading time
1 min read

India has created over 98 crore ABHAs, but most people never use theirs. Once linked, your ABHA lets every prescription and report, from every hospital, follow you wherever you go for care.

What is ABHA?

ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is a free 14-digit health ID from the Government of India under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It lets hospitals, labs and clinics share your health records with you, and with other doctors, only with your consent.

There is no central database. Your records stay with the providers and move only when you approve.

What you can do with ABHA

  • Create a new ABHA with Aadhaar OTP
  • Link an existing ABHA number or ABHA address
  • Download your ABHA card
  • Receive records from ABDM-connected hospitals
  • Approve or revoke record-sharing requests
  • Manage ABHA for your parents and children

Common questions

  • Is ABHA mandatory? No. It is voluntary, but it makes your records portable across hospitals.
  • Is ABHA the same as the Ayushman card? No. ABHA is your health ID for records. The Ayushman (PM-JAY) card is for free treatment under the scheme, if you are eligible.
  • Is my data safe? ABDM follows "privacy by design". Records are shared only with your consent, and apps integrating with ABDM must pass security audits.
  • Can I delete my ABHA? Yes, through the official ABHA portal.

Create or link your ABHA in MyMedicare and keep every record from every hospital in one place.

Create or link ABHA

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