By producing over 4 Crore tokens for Out-Patient Department (OPD) registrations through the ABHA-based Scan and Share service, the National Health Authority (NHA) has accomplished a significant step in its road towards digitizing healthcare services. Established in October 2022 under the auspices of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), this ground-breaking service has revolutionized patient care by removing the need for lengthy wait times and streamlining the appointment process—a particularly beneficial development for vulnerable populations like the elderly, expectant mothers, and people with mobility impairments.
Patients can register for OPD appointments using the ABHA-based Scan and Share service by simply scanning a QR code at the registration counter, which instantly shares the patient’s ABHA profile for registration. Over 8,270 healthcare establishments in 579 districts throughout 35 States and Union Territories of India are using this paperless service. Every day, on average, 2.2 lakh people utilize the service, demonstrating how well-liked and helpful it is among the populace. There are 2,845 private and 5,875 public healthcare facilities that are involved.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Jammu & Kashmir are leading the way in the adoption of this service. With 1.11 crore tokens generated, Uttar Pradesh has produced the most, followed by Andhra Pradesh (70.35 lakh), Karnataka (46.61 lakh), and Jammu & Kashmir (41.81 lakh). The AIIMS in Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, and Raipur have been noted for their remarkable usage of the service, according to the ABDM Public Dashboard, which offers comprehensive insights into usage. Interestingly, sixteen hospitals from Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh are among the best at using the Scan and Share service to generate OPD tokens.
Including AIIMS in New Delhi, a total of 18.3 lakh tokens were produced by government hospitals. By contrast, the token generation figures for AIIMS Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, and Raipur are 7.9 lakh, 6.1 lakh, and 5.7 lakh, respectively. These numbers demonstrate how effectively the service enhances patient access to medical treatment and speeds up OPD registrations.
The National Health Authority’s CEO emphasized the revolutionary effects of the Scan and Share function, pointing out that it makes OPD registration easier and makes digital medical document sharing easier, improving healthcare delivery and guaranteeing patient privacy and data security. Widespread adoption is demonstrated by the fact that first-time users generate about 76% of the tokens, whilst repeat visitors earn 24% of them.
Through the ABDM’s Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS), the NHA provides financial incentives for Scan and Share transactions and the creation of electronic health records in order to promote wider use. The program is also being expanded to pharmacy counters in public hospitals, where “Scan and Send” and “Scan and Pay” services will be implemented. Patients will not have to wait in line to pay for tests or medications thanks to the “Scan and Pay” function, and they can easily submit their medical information to healthcare professionals by using the “Scan and Send” option.
The Scan and Share service offered by the NHA is a noteworthy development in India’s healthcare digitization. The NHA is creating a more integrated and interoperable digital health ecosystem by utilizing technology to improve patient access and expedite healthcare services. These initiatives aim to guarantee data security, enhance patient experiences nationwide, and improve healthcare delivery.
SOURCE:
VOICE OF HEALTHCARE
