Move aims to make annual renewal and assessment of medical colleges more transparent
New Delhi: In an effort to make the annual renewal and assessment process of medical colleges more transparent and objective, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges to integrate digital health records of patients and ensure the generation and linking of ABHA IDs for those visiting hospitals attached to medical colleges.
Directive issued to all medical college authorities
The IT Division of the NMC issued a letter to the Deans and Principals of all medical colleges and institutions under its jurisdiction, instructing them to implement the directive in accordance with the Minimum Standard Requirements laid down by the Commission.
ABHA linkage required for OPD, IPD and emergency patients
According to the commission, generating and linking the ABHA ID of patients visiting OPD, IPD and emergency services in hospitals attached to medical colleges is an important prerequisite for objective verification of clinical workload.
Move aimed at ensuring data-based evaluation
By linking patient records through ABHA IDs, the NMC will be able to verify the actual number of patients being treated at medical colleges. This measure is intended to ensure that inspections and approvals are based on real data rather than paperwork or claims made by institutions.
National Health Authority simplifies registration process
The NMC further stated that the National Health Authority (NHA), the nodal agency for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), has simplified the ABHA registration process to make it easier and more convenient for patients.
Medical colleges asked to adopt updated system
In view of these developments, all medical colleges and institutions under the NMC have been instructed to adopt the updated process for generating and linking ABHA IDs to patient records.
Multiple options available for ABHA registration
Patients can create an ABHA ID using their Aadhaar through the hospital’s ABDM-enabled Hospital Management Information System (HMIS). Authentication can be completed through Aadhaar-linked mobile OTP or biometric verification.
Alternative verification and QR-based sharing methods
Hospitals can also search for an existing ABHA using a patient’s registered mobile number with OTP verification. Additionally, patients who already have an ABHA can share their details by scanning a facility QR code through ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record (PHR) applications, allowing their profile details to be shared digitally.
