To enhance public understanding and participation in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the State Health Agency, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, organized orientation-cum-awareness sessions at Gram Panchayat, Pokkadera, and Government Model Senior Secondary School, Pokkadera, Mayabunder on July 19 and 21, 2025.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to familiarise local communities and educational institutions with the digital transformation of healthcare being spearheaded by the Government of India. The events witnessed participation from students, teachers, Panchayat members, and local residents.
The sessions were led by Dr. Arnold Ashu, Anaesthetist, and Dr. Priyanka Iqbal, General Duty Medical Officer (Ayurveda), both from Dr. R. P. Hospital, Mayabunder, North & Middle Andaman. They provided an overview of the ABDM, highlighting its significance in creating a seamless, integrated digital health infrastructure that benefits every citizen.
Launched on September 27, 2021, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The mission aims to develop a national digital health ecosystem to streamline access to healthcare services, ensure continuity of care, and reduce paperwork and duplication.
One of the key elements of the programme is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), which enables individuals to store and manage their personal health records digitally and securely. Citizens can share their medical data with healthcare providers as needed, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
The programme also includes the Health Facility Registry (HFR) and the Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR). The HFR is a verified and centralized database of all health facilities across India, ranging from government hospitals to private clinics and diagnostic laboratories. It plays a crucial role in enabling services like e-hospital records, appointment booking, and teleconsultations.
The HPR, meanwhile, is a digital directory of licensed healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists. It ensures transparency by listing qualifications, registration details, and places of practice.
By hosting awareness drives in remote areas like Mayabunder, the State Health Agency aims to bridge the digital divide and encourage wider adoption of ABDM services, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the country’s digital health journey.
