ABDM Implementation Gains Momentum in A&N Islands; Pharmacies asked to Deploy ABDM-Enabled MIS

By linking pharmacy data to ABHA, residents will be able to view their medication history anytime, helping ensure continuity of care, especially when consulting different healthcare providers.

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has been actively strengthened in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with authorities directing retail pharmacies and chemists to install and use ABDM-Enabled MIS platforms.

The initiative is designed to connect prescription records and medicine purchases directly to patients’ ABHA IDs, improving digital access to health information across the Union Territory.

Launched in 2021 by the Government of India, ABDM seeks to establish a nationwide digital health infrastructure that allows secure, consent-based exchange of medical data. The mission is anchored by the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), a unique 14-digit digital health ID that enables individuals to store, retrieve, and share health records across hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and now pharmacies.

The framework is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), which oversees the creation of interoperable digital health registries and standardized data-sharing protocols.

In line with this national rollout, the NHA has directed pharmacies in the A&N Islands to adopt ABDM-Enabled MIS solutions. These systems allow pharmacies to register patients using their ABHA numbers and digitally record prescriptions and medicine transactions.

By linking pharmacy data to ABHA, residents will be able to view their medication history anytime, helping ensure continuity of care, especially when consulting different healthcare providers.

To facilitate this transition, the Programme Management Unit (PMU) of ABDM in the A&N Islands organized a virtual demonstration for local pharmacy owners and chemists. The session was conducted at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) in Sri Vijaya Puram, where three vendors showcased ABDM-compliant Pharmacy MIS software.

The demonstration highlighted ABHA-based registration workflows and explained how prescription data could be securely uploaded to patients’ digital health records with consent.

Officials emphasized that the system operates strictly on informed patient consent, a core principle of ABDM’s digital architecture. The PMU also outlined how ABDM-Enabled MIS adoption could streamline pharmacy record-keeping while contributing to a unified health data ecosystem.

To encourage ABHA enrollment, a dedicated Health ID creation desk has been established at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of G.B. Pant Hospital. The desk operates Monday to Friday between 3 pm and 4.30 pm, with designated staff assisting residents in generating their ABHA. Islanders can also create their ABHA through the official ABDM website or by visiting their nearest Common Services Centre (CSC).

Health authorities have sought cooperation from residents and pharmacy operators to ensure smooth implementation.

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