India Approves Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to Link 45.5 Crore Health Accounts Nationwide

Cabinet approved the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, directing the National Health Authority to create a unified digital health ecosystem that will link patient records, insurance claims and telemedicine services across the country, aiming to improve outcomes and curb fraud.

ABHA cards now provide a ₹5 lakh health cover per beneficiary, and the government reports that more than 45.5 crore cards have been issued, expanding cashless treatment access for low‑income families and reducing out‑of‑pocket expenses under the scheme.

West Bengal health minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that over 1,850 hospitals in the state will be integrated into the Ayushman Bharat platform, linking them to the statewide digital health ID and enabling patients to receive services and claim benefits digitally.

Governance experts warn that while India’s digital health infrastructure is technically ready, gaps in data privacy rules, lack of a unified oversight body and unclear consent protocols could impede seamless operation and raise serious concerns over patient information security.