## Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Sees Over 24 Million OPD Registrations
The National Health Authority's (NHA) scan and share service has recorded 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 has only issued 94 OPD tokens, while Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Kerala have issued 281, 690, and 921 tokens respectively.
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 reduces waiting times and eliminates the need for long queues.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has recorded the highest number of registrations with 1.24 million tokens generated. The service is currently 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.
Future plans include extending the service to pharmacy counters and laboratories, further reducing patient waiting times. 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 stores an individual's medical history, consultation details, prescriptions, and other health information, creating a comprehensive digital health database. This ID secures all medical records in a digital locker with the individual's consent.