The Andaman and Nicobar administration has stepped up implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission by directing retail pharmacies across the islands to adopt ABDM-enabled digital systems, a move aimed at integrating prescription and medicine purchase records into a unified national health ecosystem.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, launched by the Government of India in 2021, seeks to create a standardised and secure digital health infrastructure that allows seamless exchange of health information among patients, healthcare providers and service platforms. Central to the mission is the Ayushman Bharat Health Account, or ABHA, a unique digital health ID that enables individuals to access and share their personal health records across healthcare facilities, based strictly on patient consent.
In line with directions issued by the National Health Authority, all retail pharmacies and chemists in the Union Territory have been instructed to install and operationalise ABDM-enabled Pharmacy Management Information Systems. Officials said the requirement is intended to strengthen digital health services and ensure continuity of patient records across different points of care.
As part of this effort, the Programme Management Unit of ABDM in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands organised a virtual demonstration of ABDM-compliant pharmacy software solutions for local chemists and retail pharmacy operators. The demonstration was held at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Health Services in Sri Vijaya Puram, where three service providers showcased their respective ABDM-enabled platforms.
The session focused on ABHA-based registration at pharmacies, enabling prescriptions and medicine purchase histories to be digitally linked to an individual’s ABHA ID. Health officials explained that once integrated, these records can be accessed by patients anytime and from anywhere, improving continuity of care and reducing dependence on paper-based prescriptions.
During the demonstration, the Programme Management Unit also highlighted the benefits of ABHA adoption, including easier record management, improved coordination between healthcare providers and enhanced transparency in service delivery. Officials noted that pharmacy-level integration is a critical component of the digital health ecosystem, as pharmacies serve as a frequent point of contact for patients.
To further expand ABHA coverage among island residents, a dedicated ABHA and Health ID creation desk has been established at the Outpatient Department of G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram. The desk is operational from Monday to Friday between 3 pm and 4.30 pm, with designated staff assigned to assist individuals in generating their digital health IDs.
Residents have also been informed that ABHA IDs can be created independently through the official ABDM portal or by visiting nearby Common Services Centres, which have been authorised to facilitate enrolment under the mission.
Health authorities said wider adoption of ABHA and ABDM-enabled systems would help bridge gaps in the healthcare delivery process, particularly in geographically dispersed regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Digital access to health records is expected to support better clinical decision-making, reduce duplication of tests and improve patient convenience.
The administration has appealed to both healthcare providers and the general public to cooperate in the implementation of the digital health initiative, stressing that successful integration depends on participation across the healthcare value chain, from hospitals and pharmacies to patients themselves.
Officials said the rollout of ABDM in the islands would continue in phases, with further engagement planned with healthcare stakeholders to ensure smooth transition to digital platforms and sustained use of ABHA-linked services.
