New Delhi, 29 June (H.S.): Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday launched several major digital health initiatives, including Aarogya Setu 2.0, to further strengthen India's digital healthcare ecosystem.

Addressing a programme at Vigyan Bhawan, Nadda said that more than 900 million ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) IDs have been created under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), with over one billion health records linked to them. He said India has now developed the world's largest digital health ecosystem.

On the occasion, the Union Minister launched Aarogya Setu 2.0, the Ayushman App, the Ayushman Saarthi WhatsApp Chatbot, the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), the Insurance Plan FHIR Object Creator, e-Sushrut Clinic, the Unified Health Interface (UHI), the Drug Registry, and the Bharat Health Terminology Service (BHTS).

The event was attended by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr. M. Srinivas, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl, National Health Authority (NHA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, and other senior officials.

Highlighting the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, Nadda said AI-based initiatives such as Sahi and Bodhi are helping improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of health services.

He said digital technology is no longer an option but a necessity. According to the Minister, the newly launched digital platforms will integrate previously fragmented healthcare services into a unified ecosystem, enabling seamless access to healthcare.

Nadda said Aarogya Setu 2.0 has been completely redesigned to provide a single digital platform offering a wide range of healthcare services for citizens of all age groups, including pregnant women, children, adolescents, senior citizens, and people suffering from serious or chronic illnesses.

Urging states and Union Territories to implement these initiatives effectively, Nadda noted that health is a State subject and emphasised that successful execution would contribute significantly to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Describing the initiatives as a major milestone in India's digital health journey, the Union Minister said they would help build a healthier nation through digital innovation. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has transformed healthcare delivery through flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat by strengthening coordination across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav said the initiatives mark a significant step towards strengthening India's digital health infrastructure. He said the government is integrating the AYUSH system with modern medicine to create a holistic and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. He added that digital platforms would improve access to AYUSH services while encouraging innovation in the sector.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said women often shoulder the responsibility of managing their families' health while neglecting their own well-being. She said digital health records and related digital services would enable women to monitor their health more effectively and access their medical records from anywhere. She also noted that these initiatives would reduce the administrative burden on ASHA and Anganwadi workers while improving the quality of healthcare delivery.

NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr. M. Srinivas said the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is transforming fragmented digital healthcare services into an integrated national health ecosystem. He said the mission would reduce paperwork, improve efficiency and ensure better continuity of care for citizens.

National Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal said that, just as digital transformation has revolutionised payments, identity and public services, the healthcare sector is now witnessing a similar shift. He said the new initiatives would expand access to healthcare, enhance patient experience, and equip doctors and healthcare professionals with advanced digital tools.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar