The National Health Authority (NHA) has achieved a milestone with their scan and share service, which has facilitated more than 24 million digital out-patient department (OPD) registrations since its commencement in September 2022. The data from the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) dashboard as of April 18 illustrates the distribution of OPD tokens among various states, with Uttar Pradesh topping the list by generating over 7.8 million tokens, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The scan and share service, as explained by an official from the NHA, allows patients to swiftly register for OPD by scanning QR codes at registration counters and sharing their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) number. This process aims to streamline OPD registrations and reduce waiting times for patients seeking healthcare services. One notable statistic is the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, which stands out for generating the most registrations under the digital OPD service, totaling 1.24 million tokens.
Currently available in 4,399 healthcare facilities across 33 states and union territories, the scan and share service is planned for expansion to pharmacy counters and laboratories. This expansion aims to further enhance patient access to healthcare services and provide digital access to prescriptions, pharmacy slips, and diagnostic reports. Each individual is assigned a unique 14-digit ABHA ID, which acts as a digital locker for their medical history, consultation details, and prescriptions, with all records securely stored under this central health database.