Bhubaneswar, July 10 (H.S.): Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahalinga participated in the third Mission Steering Group (MSG) meeting of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) held at the National Health Authority (NHA) in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda.

According to a statement issued by the office of Dr. Mukesh Mahalinga, the meeting reviewed the progress and achievements of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and discussed the roadmap for expanding the initiative during the next phase from 2026 to 2031.

The Mission Steering Group examined a proposal seeking approval for an estimated allocation of Rs 2,700 crore for extending the ABDM up to the financial year 2026-31. The upcoming phase will focus on expanding digital healthcare services in remote and underserved regions and ensuring wider adoption of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs among citizens.

The meeting also deliberated on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare delivery, disease diagnosis and health data management to make medical services more accessible, transparent and efficient.

Participants discussed the integration of government and private healthcare institutions into a unified digital health ecosystem, enabling patients to access their medical records seamlessly across the country and receive appropriate treatment without difficulties.

The expansion of digital OPD registration facilities and e-Sanjeevani tele-consultation services was also discussed as part of efforts to reduce waiting times and improve healthcare accessibility for citizens.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda