New Delhi: The government will launch a National Digital Health Mission under which every Indian citizen will have unique health IDs, digitised health records as well as a registry of doctors and health facilities.
The flagship project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address to the nation on Saturday.
The PM said that this project will leverage the power of technology to create a healthier India, The Quint reported.
Here’s an insight into the proposed scheme:
What is Unique Health ID?
A Unique Health ID will be provided to every citizen that will contain details of their diseases, diagnoses, report, medications, etc., in a common database through a single ID. This will essentially be a digitised version of all their health records. This digital database will be linked to the registry of doctors and health facilities across the country. The health ID will reportedly be in the form of a mobile app.
How will this Health ID work?
All information about whatever medicines a doctor prescribed, when they were prescribed as well as what the reports were will be linked to a person’s health ID. It will be like a digitised health book for a patient.
Where can I use this ID? What about data protection?
This ID will reportedly be applicable across states, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and pharmacies. The government has assured that the data provided will be protected and health records will only be shared after authorisation by an individual. Similarly, it is voluntary for hospitals and doctors to provide details for the app.
Is it necessary for me to enrol in this project?
No, the government has said that the enrolment in the initiative will be voluntary.
Also Read: Independence Day Speech At Red Fort: PM Modi Announces Unique Health ID For Every Citizen