India is building one of the largest digital health systems in the world, and at its centre is a simple idea: every citizen should be able to access and share their health records securely. The tool that makes this possible is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account, better known as ABHA. By July 2026, more than 93.95 crore ABHA numbers had been created. Here is what ABHA is, how it works and why it matters.
What ABHA is
ABHA is a unique digital health ID for individuals in India. It is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, often called ABDM, which the government launched to create a connected digital health ecosystem.
Each ABHA has a 14-digit number. You can also create an easy-to-remember ABHA address, similar to an email ID, which you can use to share records.
Importantly, ABHA is not the same as the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, known as PM-JAY. ABHA is a digital ID for managing health records. Anyone can create one, regardless of insurance eligibility.
What ABHA does
The main purpose of ABHA is to link your health records from different places, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories and pharmacies, so that you can see them in one place and share them when needed.
Imagine visiting a new doctor in another city. Instead of carrying files of old prescriptions and test reports, you could share your relevant records digitally, with your consent. The doctor gets a clearer picture of your health history, which can lead to better care.
How big ABDM has become
Official figures reported in July 2026 show the scale of the mission:
- More than 93.95 crore ABHA numbers created.
- More than 105 crore digital health records linked to ABHA.
- About 5.33 lakh health facilities registered.
- About 9.85 lakh healthcare professionals registered.
- Around 2.72 lakh facilities using ABDM-enabled software.
- Nearly 24 crore Scan and Register tokens generated, used for faster registration at hospital outpatient departments.
How consent works
A key principle of ABDM is consent. Your records are not stored in one central government database. Instead, they stay with the hospitals, labs and clinics that created them. When a doctor or facility wants to see your records, you receive a consent request. You decide whether to approve it, which records to share and for how long.
This design aims to give individuals control over their health data while still allowing it to be shared when useful.
How to create an ABHA
Creating an ABHA is free and usually takes a few minutes. The common methods include:
- Visit the official ABHA portal on the ABDM website, or use an ABHA-supported health app.
- Choose to create an ABHA using your Aadhaar number or another supported option, such as a driving licence.
- Verify with an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Fill in or confirm your details.
- Create your ABHA address.
- Download your ABHA card if you wish.
Many hospitals and health camps can also help you create an ABHA. Only use official government portals and approved apps, and never share your OTP with anyone who calls you claiming to help.
Scan and Register
One practical benefit you may already have seen is Scan and Register. At many hospitals, instead of standing in a long queue to register, you can scan a QR code with your phone and share your ABHA details. This speeds up registration at the outpatient department.
Personal health record apps
You can view and manage your linked records through Personal Health Record apps that are integrated with ABDM. These apps let you see your records, approve or reject consent requests and upload your own documents, such as old prescriptions.
Privacy and security
Health data is sensitive, so it is natural to have questions about privacy.
- Records stay with the facilities that created them rather than in a single central store.
- Sharing happens only with your consent.
- You can see who has accessed your records through consent logs.
- Data protection is also governed by India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Practical safety tips:
- Never share OTPs or passwords with anyone.
- Use only official websites and apps.
- Review consent requests carefully before approving.
- Check your consent history occasionally.
Why ABHA matters
- For patients, it means easier access to medical history, less paperwork and better continuity of care.
- For doctors, it means more complete information for diagnosis and treatment.
- For the health system, it supports better planning, research and public health management, using anonymised data.
- For technology, it creates a foundation on which new digital health services, including AI tools, can be built responsibly.
Challenges
Creating ABHA numbers is only the first step. The real value comes when hospitals and clinics consistently link records, doctors use them in practice and patients understand how to manage consent. Digital literacy, internet access and adoption by private healthcare providers remain challenges, especially in rural areas.
The bottom line
ABHA is a free, unique digital health ID that links your health records across hospitals, labs and clinics, with sharing controlled by your consent. With more than 93 crore ABHA numbers and over 105 crore linked records by July 2026, it is becoming the backbone of India's digital health system. Create your ABHA through official channels, keep your OTP private and use consent controls wisely to make the most of it.
