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ABHA Registry

ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account): Identity Framework and Digital Health Access under ABDM​

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is a unique health identifier issued under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It serves as the foundational digital identity for individuals within the ABDM ecosystem and enables secure identification, authentication, and exchange of health records.

ABHA facilitates access to digital health services while ensuring interoperability across healthcare providers, health information systems, and personal health applications.

Components of ABHA​

An ABHA account consists of two key identifiers:

1. ABHA Number​

The ABHA Number is a unique 14-digit identifier assigned to an individual after successful identity verification.

Key Characteristics

  • Unique to each individual.
  • Acts as the primary health identity within ABDM.
  • Used for patient identification across healthcare systems.
  • Issued after completion of the KYC verification process.
  • Always associated with at least one ABHA Address.

2. ABHA Address​

The ABHA Address is a unique and user-friendly identifier in the format: user@abdm

Key Characteristics

  • Facilitates secure routing of health information and consent requests.
  • Can be shared with healthcare providers for record linking and data exchange.
  • A default ABHA Address is generated along with every ABHA Number.
  • Users may subsequently create a personalized ABHA Address.

Identity Verification Mechanisms​

ABHA creation and authentication are performed through ABDM-approved verification methods.

Verification Modes​

Aadhaar OTP Authentication

The individual verifies identity using an OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Face Authentication

Identity verification is completed using face authentication through approved Aadhaar RD Service Application.

Biometric Authentication

Verification using fingerprint or iris through registered biometric devices.

Demographic Authentication

Identity validation based on demographic details such as name, date of birth, and gender, as per applicable demo authentication workflows.

Child ABHA​

A Child ABHA enables digital health record creation for children who may not possess an Aadhaar number.

Key Features

  • Created with consent of a parent or legal guardian.
  • Enables continuity of health records from birth.
  • Available only through approved government programmes and authorized government entities.
  • Not available for private-sector implementation.

ABHA Address Guidelines​

ABHA Addresses must comply with defined validation standards.

Permitted Characters

  • Alphabetic characters (A-Z)
  • Numeric characters (0-9)
  • Dot (.)

Validation Rules

  • Cannot begin with a numeric character.
  • Cannot begin or end with a dot (.).
  • Must conform to ABDM validation requirements at the time of creation.
  • Mobile numbers cannot be used directly as ABHA Addresses.

Organizations should rely on ABDM validation services to verify address eligibility.

Information Associated with an ABHA​

An ABHA profile may contain the following information:

Field CategoryDescription
Personal DetailsName, gender, date of birth
Contact InformationMobile number and verified email (if provided)
ABHA DetailsABHA Number and ABHA Address
Profile InformationProfile photograph (if available)
Digital AssetsABHA Card and associated QR Code

Role of ABHA Across ABDM Milestones​

Milestone 1 (M1) - ABHA Management​

M1 focuses on:

  • ABHA creation
  • Identity verification
  • Login and authentication
  • Profile management
  • Session management

Supported Login Options

  • Mobile Number
  • Aadhaar Number
  • ABHA Number
  • ABHA Address

Milestone 2 (M2) - Care Context Linking​

M2 enables healthcare providers to link care contexts with an individual's ABHA Address, facilitating discovery and record association.

Milestone 3 (M3) - Consent Management​

M3 enables consent-based health information exchange by using the ABHA Address as the identifier for raising and managing consent requests.

Importance of ABHA in ABDM​

ABHA is the foundational identity layer of the ABDM ecosystem. It enables:

  • Unique patient identification.
  • Secure authentication.
  • Health record discovery and linking.
  • Consent-based health information exchange.
  • Interoperable digital health services across India.

Every ABDM health information exchange workflow begins with a valid ABHA identity, making it a critical component of the national digital health ecosystem.

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