## Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Sees Over 24 Million OPD Registrations
The National Health Authority's (NHA) scan and share service has witnessed a remarkable success, recording over 24 million digital out-patient department (OPD) registrations since its launch in September 2022. Uttar Pradesh leads the way with over 7.8 million OPD tokens generated, followed by Andhra Pradesh (4.2 million) and Karnataka (3.4 million).
However, the data reveals significant variations across states. Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Kerala have registered the lowest number of OPD tokens.
The scan and share service allows patients to scan QR codes at OPD registration counters and share their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) number for instant registration and token generation. This eliminates the need for long queues and reduces waiting times.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has recorded the highest number of registrations under the digital OPD service, with over 1.24 million tokens generated.
Currently, the service is available at 4,399 healthcare facilities across 510 districts in 33 states and union territories, excluding Mizoram, Nagaland, and the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Plans are underway to extend the service to pharmacy counters and laboratories, further reducing the time patients spend accessing healthcare services. Additionally, ABHA-based registrations will provide patients with digital access to their prescriptions, pharmacy slips, and diagnostic reports.
The ABHA number is a unique 14-digit identification number that creates a digital health database for individuals, storing their medical history, consultation details, prescriptions, and more. This information is securely stored in a digital locker with the individual's consent.