Starting May 1, 2025, the Delhi government has made it mandatory for all patients visiting government hospitals in the national capital to possess an ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). According to the official order issued by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, no outpatient department (OPD) registration will be processed without this digital health ID. The initiative is part of a broader move to digitize healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
This shift aims to bring more transparency and efficiency into the healthcare system while ensuring that every patient’s medical data is systematically recorded and easily accessible when needed.
The ABHA card is a unique digital health ID that securely stores a patient’s medical records online. From prescriptions to diagnostic reports, all healthcare-related data is integrated into this single digital profile. Patients no longer need to carry physical documents or visit hospitals repeatedly for medical records. Instead, doctors can access a patient’s medical history instantly through the ABHA ID, leading to faster and more accurate treatment decisions.
Before applying for an Ayushman Card, Delhi residents are now advised to get their ABHA Card made first, as it has become a prerequisite for receiving medical services in government facilities.
Effective from May 1, 2025, every patient who wishes to register for an OPD visit at any government hospital in Delhi must present an ABHA ID. This new rule will help streamline hospital operations and eliminate the need for long queues and manual paperwork.
As per the government’s order, hospitals will now be able to maintain a comprehensive digital record of each patient’s visits, tests, treatments, and medications. This integrated approach is expected to not only reduce administrative delays but also enhance the overall patient experience.
In addition to mandating ABHA cards for patients, the Delhi government has also directed all state-run hospitals to prepare Health Professional Registry (HPR) profiles for their medical staff — including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. These profiles must include details such as educational qualifications, work experience, and registration credentials, all documented in a digital format.
Hospitals have been given a deadline of May 11, 2025, to complete the creation of HPR profiles. This is yet another step toward establishing a fully digital and transparent healthcare ecosystem in the capital.
To ensure strict adherence to this initiative, the Health Department has instructed all medical superintendents and hospital directors to submit a compliance report by May 13, 2025. The order, issued with the approval of the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, stresses the importance of timely implementation and emphasizes that any delay or non-compliance will be taken seriously.
Interestingly, the ABHA ID is also a foundational requirement for other digital health services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, including the newly launched Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, which is specially designed for senior citizens. Therefore, securing an ABHA Card is not just essential for hospital visits but also beneficial for accessing various health benefits rolled out by the government.
If you're a Delhi resident planning to seek treatment at a government hospital or apply for an Ayushman Card, getting your ABHA Card should be your top priority. It ensures smoother access to medical services, reduces paperwork, and integrates your health information digitally for easier use across hospitals.
This move marks a significant leap toward digital health in India’s capital, bringing patients and providers onto a single, secure healthcare platform.
