UPSC Prelims 2022 Q19: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:
1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it
ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Launched | September 2021 (pilot as National Digital Health Mission, 2020) |
| Run by | National Health Authority (NHA) |
| ABHA | Ayushman Bharat Health Account — a 14-digit health ID |
| Registries | Health Professionals Registry, Health Facility Registry |
Checking the statements:
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it | Wrong | Joining is voluntary for hospitals |
| 2. Every citizen should ultimately be part of it | Wrong | Creating an ABHA ID is voluntary for citizens |
| 3. Seamless portability across the country | Correct | Records can be shared with consent at any linked facility anywhere in India |
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Both Statements 1 and 2 are false; ABDM is voluntary for hospitals and citizens.
- (b) CORRECT. ABDM is voluntary, and its main feature is nationwide portability of health records.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; hospitals are not required to adopt ABDM.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false, so 'all three' fails.
Key point
ABDM (2021, NHA): voluntary ABHA health ID; consent-based, portable digital health records across India.
Remember
ABDM is voluntary and offers portable health records across India.
Common mistakes
- Assuming government digital missions are mandatory; ABDM is voluntary and consent-based.
- Confusing ABDM with PM-JAY, the health insurance scheme.
- Thinking universal coverage means compulsory enrolment.
Exam tip
Health data + consent = voluntary. Words like 'must' and 'every citizen' usually make ABDM statements false.
Sources
- National Health Authority — Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (abdm.gov.in)
- PIB — Launch of ABDM (September 2021)