New Govt Extends Digital Health Incentive Scheme by Another Year

Reportedly, hospitals get INR 20 per patient for digitizing their health record and linking them with ABHA IDs.

The newly formed government has extended the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) by a year which aims to digitize patients' health records and link them with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID).

The objective of the scheme is to boost the adoption of digital healthcare services and encourage public participation in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Originally set to end on June 30, 2024, the DHIS has now been extended until June 30, 2025, or until funds are available, whichever is earlier.

Reportedly, hospitals get INR 20 per patient for digitizing their health record and linking them with ABHA IDs.

This initiative aims to create a secure and centralized digital health ID for every individual, allowing easy access to health records across the country.

Extension of DHIS

In April, the Union Health Secretary called upon states and union territories to expedite the integration of ABHA with various health portals to enhance digital healthcare services.

Moreover, the Union government has sought details from states and union territories on the utilization of funds received through the scheme.

Per data from the ABDM dashboard, a total of 5,894.60 Lakh ABHA IDs have been created across the country as of April 3, 2024.

Reports state that the National Health Authority (NHA) has issued incentive utilization guidelines to help hospitals utilize these for digital infrastructure or any other activity related to patient welfare.

Notably, now all facilities registered with the health facility registry (HFR) such as clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, laboratories, and digital solution companies can earn an incentive of up to INR 4 Cr.

The NHA monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the scheme and makes suitable changes to its continuation, modification, and budget.

As of now, a whopping INR 34 Cr has been released to hospitals although, reports state that only a part of it has been utilized.

The NHA has given flexibility to the hospitals to utilize this fund for any work related to the hospital such as free Wi-Fi at facility premises, proper ventilated seating arrangement, wheelchairs, stretchers, clean drinking water, etc.

Launched on 1st January 2023, by the NHA, the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) is a part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This scheme aims to encourage healthcare providers, hospitals, diagnostic labs, and digital health solution companies to adopt digital health technologies and promote the implementation of ABDM among the general public.

Under DHIS, eligible stakeholders receive financial incentives for embracing transformative digitization practices, creating digital health records, and linking them to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers of patients. The goal is to foster a digitally inclusive healthcare ecosystem and improve the quality of care for all citizens of India.