India's Major Health Schemes & Digital Health Services

The Government of India has launched several comprehensive health schemes and digital health initiatives to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all citizens. Key programs include:

• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: World's largest health insurance scheme providing ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family
• ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account): Digital health ID for storing and sharing health records
• eSanjeevani: National telemedicine service for online doctor consultations
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Digital healthcare ecosystem connecting patients, doctors, and hospitals
• Health & Wellness Centres: Network of primary healthcare facilities across India

1. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana)

About PM-JAY Golden Card

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is the world's largest government-funded health insurance scheme, providing:

• Coverage: ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization
• Beneficiaries: Over 50 crore (500 million) poor and vulnerable families
• Cashless Treatment: No payment required at empanelled hospitals
• Pre-existing Conditions: Covered from day one
• 1,393+ Medical Procedures: Including surgeries, medicines, diagnostics, and hospitalization costs
• Pan-India Coverage: Valid across all states at 27,000+ empanelled hospitals
• No Age Limit: All family members covered

Who is Eligible for Ayushman Bharat Card?

Eligibility is based on SECC 2011 (Socio-Economic Caste Census) data. Families included are:

• Families with no adult member (age 16-59)
• Households with disabled member and no able-bodied adult
• Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe households
• Landless households deriving major income from manual labor
• Destitute/living on alms
• Manual scavenger families
• Primitive tribal groups
• Legally released bonded labor

Note: Some states have expanded eligibility criteria beyond SECC. Check your state-specific rules.

How to Check PM-JAY Eligibility

1. Visit official portal: pmjay.gov.in
2. Click on "Am I Eligible"
3. Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP
4. Search by:
   • Name of family member
   • Ration Card number
   • Mobile number
   • Household ID (HHD Number from SECC data)
5. If your name appears in the list, you are eligible for PM-JAY

Documents Required for Ayushman Card

• Mandatory: Aadhaar Card (for e-KYC verification)
• Ration Card (if available)
• Household ID / SECC Name Proof
• Mobile Number (preferably linked with Aadhaar)
• Passport Size Photo (may be required at enrollment center)

How to Apply for Ayushman Bharat Golden Card

Method 1: Via Common Service Centre (CSC)

1. Find your nearest CSC using CSC Locator
2. Visit CSC with Aadhaar card and required documents
3. The CSC operator (VLE) will:
   • Verify your eligibility in the PM-JAY database
   • Perform Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication
   • Capture your photograph
   • Generate and print your Golden Card instantly
4. Small service charge may apply (typically ₹30-50)

Method 2: Via Empanelled Hospital

1. Visit any PM-JAY empanelled hospital
2. Contact the Ayushman Mitra desk at the hospital
3. Provide your Aadhaar and documents
4. The Ayushman Mitra will verify eligibility and create your Golden Card
5. Card generation is FREE at hospitals

Method 3: Online Self-Registration (BIS Portal)

1. Visit Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) Portal
2. Click on "Download Card" or "Register for PMJAY"
3. Enter Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
4. Complete the e-KYC process
5. Download your Digital Golden Card (PDF format)
6. You can also get a physical card printed at CSC or hospital

How to Use Ayushman Card for Treatment

1. Find empanelled hospital near you using Hospital Search Portal
2. Bring your Golden Card and Aadhaar card to the hospital
3. Contact Ayushman Mitra at the hospital help desk
4. Get admitted and receive cashless treatment
5. No payment required - hospital directly settles bills with government
6. Follow-up care for 15 days post-discharge is also covered

Download/Reprint Ayushman Card

1. Visit BIS Portal
2. Enter your Aadhaar number
3. Verify with OTP
4. Download your e-Golden Card
5. For physical card reprint, visit nearest CSC with Aadhaar

2. ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) - Digital Health ID

What is ABHA Health ID?

ABHA is a unique 14-digit health identification number under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It enables you to:

• Create a unified digital health record
• Store medical history, prescriptions, lab reports, and discharge summaries
• Share health records securely with doctors and hospitals
• Access your health data anytime, anywhere
• Link with health apps, hospitals, and diagnostic centers
• Receive digital prescriptions and test reports

Note: ABHA is different from Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. ABHA is a digital health ID for ALL Indian citizens, while PM-JAY is health insurance for economically weaker sections.

Benefits of ABHA Health ID

• Paperless Healthcare: No need to carry physical medical records
• Continuity of Care: Doctors can view your complete medical history
• Emergency Access: Quick access to critical health information during emergencies
• Privacy & Security: You control who can access your health records
• Interoperability: Works across all ABDM-integrated hospitals and apps
• Free Service: Creating and maintaining ABHA is completely free

Eligibility for ABHA Health ID

Any Indian citizen can create ABHA Health ID. Requirements:

• Valid Aadhaar Card (preferred method)
• OR Valid Driving License
• Mobile number (linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification)

Documents Required for ABHA

• Primary: Aadhaar Card with registered mobile number
• Alternative: Driving License (if Aadhaar not available)
• Email ID (optional but recommended)

How to Create ABHA Health ID

Method 1: Online via ABHA Portal (Recommended)

1. Visit official portal: abha.abdm.gov.in
2. Click on "Create ABHA Number"
3. Choose registration method:
   • Using Aadhaar (faster, recommended)
   • Using Driving License
4. If using Aadhaar:
   • Enter 12-digit Aadhaar number
   • Verify with OTP sent to Aadhaar-registered mobile
   • Consent to sharing demographic details
5. Fill personal details (auto-filled from Aadhaar):
   • Full Name
   • Date of Birth
   • Gender
   • State and District
   • Mobile number
   • Email (optional)
6. Create your ABHA Address (like an email ID for health data):
   • Format: yourname@abdm or yourname@sbx
   • This will be your unique health address
7. Set a 4-digit PIN for security
8. Your 14-digit ABHA Number will be generated instantly
9. Download your ABHA Card (PDF format)

Method 2: Via ABHA Mobile App

1. Download ABHA App from:
   • Google Play Store (Android)
   • Apple App Store (iOS)
2. Open app and click "Create ABHA"
3. Follow same process as online portal
4. Verify with Aadhaar OTP
5. Complete registration and download card

Method 3: At Health Facilities

1. Visit any ABDM-integrated hospital, clinic, or Health & Wellness Centre
2. Request ABHA ID creation at registration desk
3. Provide Aadhaar for verification
4. Staff will create your ABHA and provide the card

How to Download ABHA Card

1. Visit ABHA Portal
2. Click "Download ABHA Card"
3. Enter ABHA Number or ABHA Address
4. Verify with OTP
5. Download PDF card
6. Print for physical use if needed

How to Use ABHA Health ID

• Share your ABHA Number or ABHA Address with doctors during consultation
• Hospital/clinic will link your records to your ABHA
• Access all records via ABHA app or portal
• Share specific records with doctors using consent mechanism
• Use for telemedicine consultations on ABDM-integrated platforms

3. eSanjeevani - National Telemedicine Service

What is eSanjeevani?

eSanjeevani is India's flagship telemedicine platform developed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It provides two types of services:

• eSanjeevani OPD: Patient-to-Doctor online consultations (anyone can use)
• eSanjeevani AB-HWC: Doctor-to-Doctor consultations at Health & Wellness Centres

Key Features & Benefits

• Free Consultations: Most services are free or minimal cost
• Convenience: Consult doctors from home via video call
• Wide Reach: Available across all states and UTs
• Specialist Access: Connect with various specialists including:
  • General Physicians
  • Pediatricians
  • Gynecologists
  • Dermatologists
  • Psychiatrists/Mental Health
  • ENT Specialists
  • And more
• Digital Prescriptions: Receive e-prescriptions after consultation
• Privacy: Secure and confidential consultations
• No Travel Required: Save time and travel costs

Who Can Use eSanjeevani OPD?

Any Indian citizen can use eSanjeevani for online doctor consultations. Requirements:

• Smartphone/Computer with camera and microphone
• Stable internet connection
• Valid mobile number for registration
• No Aadhaar or health card required

How to Use eSanjeevani OPD - Step by Step

Step 1: Registration

1. Visit esanjeevani or download eSanjeevani OPD app
2. Click on "Patient Registration"
3. Enter mobile number
4. Verify with OTP
5. Select your State

Step 2: Fill Patient Details

1. Enter patient information:
   • Full Name
   • Age/Date of Birth
   • Gender
   • State and District
2. Select consultation type:
   • General OPD
   • Specialty OPD (if available in your state)
3. A Patient ID will be generated

Step 3: Generate Token

1. After registration, click "Generate Token"
2. A token number will be assigned
3. You'll be placed in virtual queue
4. Check your queue position on screen

Step 4: Wait for Consultation

1. Wait for your turn (displayed on screen)
2. You'll receive notification when doctor is available
3. Waiting time depends on queue length
4. Keep your device ready with good internet

Step 5: Video Consultation

1. When your turn comes, click "Start Consultation"
2. Allow camera and microphone access
3. Video call with doctor will begin
4. Describe your symptoms and health issues
5. Doctor may ask questions about medical history
6. You can show symptoms via camera if needed
7. Consultation typically lasts 5-15 minutes

Step 6: Receive e-Prescription

1. After consultation, doctor will provide:
   • Digital prescription
   • Diagnosis
   • Medicine recommendations
   • Follow-up instructions
   • Lab test recommendations (if needed)
2. Download and save the e-prescription
3. Use it to purchase medicines from pharmacy
4. Keep for future reference

Important Tips for eSanjeevani Consultation

• Good Internet: Ensure stable connection for uninterrupted video call
• Quiet Place: Choose a quiet, well-lit environment
• Be Prepared: Have your symptoms, medical history, and previous reports ready
• Clear Communication: Speak clearly and ensure microphone works
• Privacy: Ensure private space for confidential discussion
• Follow Instructions: Take medicines as prescribed and follow doctor's advice
• Follow-up: Schedule follow-up if needed

eSanjeevani AB-HWC (For Health Centres)

This service is for Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) and community health workers to connect with specialist doctors for expert opinions:

• Patients visit local HWC
• HWC staff facilitates telemedicine consultation with specialist at hub hospital
• Brings specialist care to remote areas
• Doctor-to-doctor consultation model

When to Use eSanjeevani (and When Not To)

"… Good for:

• Minor illnesses (fever, cold, cough)
• Skin conditions
• Follow-up consultations
• Mental health counseling
• Prescription refills
• Health advice and preventive care
• Chronic disease management (diabetes, BP monitoring)

" NOT suitable for:

• Medical emergencies (chest pain, severe injuries)
• Conditions requiring physical examination
• Surgeries or procedures
• Severe acute illnesses

For emergencies, immediately visit nearest hospital or call ambulance (102/108).

4. Find Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities

PM-JAY Empanelled Hospitals

Search for hospitals where you can use Ayushman Bharat Golden Card:

1. Visit PM-JAY Hospital Search
2. Select State and District
3. Filter by:
   • Hospital type (Public/Private)
   • Specialty
   • Hospital name
4. View complete list with contact details

Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs)

Over 1.5 lakh Health & Wellness Centres provide comprehensive primary healthcare services including:

• Free essential medicines
• Diagnostic services
• Maternal and child health
• Non-communicable disease management
• Telemedicine facilities

Find nearest HWC through your State Health Department website or local PHC.

Important Helplines & Contact Information

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

• Toll-Free Helpline: 14555 (24x7)
• Alternate: 1800-111-565
•  Portal: pmjay.gov.in
• Email: pmjay@nha.gov.in

ABHA (Digital Health)

• ABDM Helpline: 1800-11-4477 / 14477
•  Portal: abha.abdm.gov.in
• ABHA App Support: support.abdm@nha.gov.in

eSanjeevani Telemedicine

•  Portal: esanjeevaniopd.in
• Email: esanjeevani@nha.gov.in
• Technical Support: Available on portal

Emergency Services

• ‘ National Ambulance Service: 102 / 108
• Emergency Medical Help: 112
• COVID-19 Helpline: 1075

Quick Access - Official Portals

• PM-JAY Official: pmjay.gov.in
• Check PM-JAY Eligibility: Eligibility Portal
• Download Ayushman Card: BIS Portal
• Find PM-JAY Hospitals: Hospital Search
• Create ABHA ID: ABHA Portal
• Download ABHA App: Google Play | Apple App Store
• eSanjeevani OPD: esanjeevaniopd.in
• National Health Authority: nha.gov.in