Sri Vijaya Puram | February 21, 2026
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), a flagship initiative of the Government of India launched in 2021 to create an integrated digital health ecosystem, is being actively implemented in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The mission seeks to bridge gaps among healthcare stakeholders by enabling the secure and standardized digital exchange of health information across the country.
Under ABDM, citizens are issued a unique digital health identity known as the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), or Health ID. The ABHA allows individuals to securely store and access their personal health records and share them seamlessly across healthcare facilities, based strictly on informed patient consent.
As part of the rollout in the Union Territory, the National Health Authority (NHA), Government of India, has directed all retail pharmacies and chemists to install and operationalize ABDM-enabled Pharmacy Management Information Systems (MIS). The move aims to strengthen digital health services and ensure better record-keeping and accessibility of prescription and medicine purchase data.
In this regard, the Programme Management Unit (PMU), ABDM, A&N Islands, organized a virtual demonstration of ABDM-enabled Pharmacy MIS solutions for local retail pharmacies and chemists. The session was held at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Sri Vijaya Puram, where three service providers presented their ABDM-compliant software solutions.
The demonstration focused on ABHA-based registration at pharmacies, enabling prescriptions and medicine purchase histories to be digitally stored in an individual’s ABHA/Health ID. This would allow patients to access their medical records anytime and from anywhere. During the session, the PMU highlighted the importance of ABHA and outlined the benefits of adopting the digital system.
Meanwhile, a dedicated ABHA/Health ID creation desk has been set up at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of G.B. Pant Hospital. The desk will function from Monday to Friday between 3 pm and 4.30 pm, with designated staff available to assist residents in creating their ABHA.
Islanders can also generate their ABHA/Health ID by visiting the official website of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission or by approaching their nearest Common Services Centre (CSC).
The health authorities have sought the cooperation of residents to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the digital health initiative in the islands.
