Mandatory linking of CGHS beneficiary ID with ABHA for central govt employees suspended; should you still do it?

The mandatory linking of Central Government Health Services (CGHS) beneficiary ID with Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID has been put on hold until further order, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry said that it had reviewed its earlier order of compulsory linking of the two IDs — CGHS and ABHA to come to this decision.

In an office memorandum dated June 25, 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, "Reference is invited to the Office Memorandum No Z 15025/23/2023/ DIR/ CGHS dated the 28.03.2024 vide which Linkage of CGHS Beneficiary ID with Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID (ABHA ID) has been made mandatory and to state that the matter has been reviewed in the Ministry and the undersigned is directed to convey the approval of Competent Authority that the implementation of the above referred OM dated 28.03.2024 is kept in abeyance till further orders."

The health ministry had earlier made it mandatory for all CGHS beneficiaries to link their beneficiary ID and ABHA ID. The order was scheduled to come into force from April 1, 2024. Later it was extended till June 30, 2024.

What is ABHA ID?

ABHA number is a 14-digit unique number to access, link and share your health records across multiple systems digitally. Very similar to a bank account number, it is a unique number to identify you and authenticate you whenever needed.

How does the ABHA number benefit you?

Traditionally, hospitals, whether government-run or private, assign unique IDs for patients to maintain health records, restricting access solely to the respective healthcare facility. This often necessitates patients to carry physical copies of their medical history when seeking treatment elsewhere, thereby burdening them with the responsibility of managing their health records.

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With the introduction of ABHA ID, patients now have the option to streamline their medical records into a unified digital platform accessible nationwide. By providing their unique ABHA ID and granting consent, patients enable healthcare providers to securely access their comprehensive medical history online. This eliminates the need for keeping a record of physical documents of past diagnoses and treatments and carrying them with you, thereby ensuring convenience and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

How linking CGHS beneficiary IDs with ABHA numbers will help central government employees
Linking CGHS beneficiary IDs with ABHA numbers will allow central government employees to access their health records on their mobile phones. A CGHS beneficiary will be able to view the generated and linked health records in any of his/her preferred Personal Health Record (PHR) apps downloaded on the mobile device, the ministry said earlier. In the future, a CGHS beneficiary will be able to make an OPD appointment with a doctor by scanning a QR code through his/her mobile device present in front of the doctor’s room/registration desk in the wellness centre, it added.

Moreover, a CGHS beneficiary will be able to carry forward his/her health records from one hospital/ healthcare provider to another in a digitally secured way.

Can central govt employees still link CGHS beneficiary ID with ABHA ID?

There is no restriction on linking CGHS beneficiary ID with ABHA ID for the central government employees. They can still link the two IDs if they want. However,

As the Centre has kept its earlier order on hold, it is no longer mandatory for central government employees to link CGHS beneficiary ID with ABHA ID. However, there is no restriction on linking CGHS beneficiary ID with ABHA ID. In the office memorandum, the health ministry said, "Linkage of CGHS Ben ID with Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID (ABHA ID) is made voluntary/optional till further orders."