CGHS beneficiary ID linking with Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID must for Central government employees: How to do it?

Central government employees have been told to link their CGHS beneficiary ID with ABHA ID mandatorily.

Updated on: Apr 24, 2024, 16:12:04 IST

By HT News Desk

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CGHS beneficiary ID-ABHA linking has become mandatory for central government employees. What is more, they should check the deadline and all the details regarding what they must do as soon as possible to derive maximum benefits. ABHA stands for Ayushman Bharat Health Account. Notably, the deadline for the linking of both IDs has been extended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Significantly, this move by the ministry will come as welcome relief for government employees. The old deadline for the CGHS beneficiary ID-ABHA ID linking was to start from April 1, 2024 and be completed within a month. There was a huge amount of uncertainty among the employees about how things will proceed, but that worry has been put to rest by the government now. In fact to ensure no unnecessary impediments or hurdles were faced by the employees, the ministry, in an Office Memorandum, that was quoted by Economic Times, said, "To assist the CGHS beneficiaries, KIOSKS shall be made operational at all the wellness centers by 30.06.2024." The notification was dated April 15, 2024.

For CGHS beneficiary ID-ABHA ID linking process, check new deadline and much more now. (Representational Photo)

According to the ministry, these beneficiaries can visit their nearest CGHS wellness centre to avail services including updation of mobile number, correction of errors including in name, age, or gender as well as linking of CGHS beneficiary ID to ABHA number - the date provided is 01.07.2024 onwards.

According to the ministry, “The creation of ABHA ID (ABHA number) has been extended for a time period of 90 days, w.e.f. 30.06.2024 (3 months from 30.06.2024)," the ministry said.

Why central government employees should undertake the linking exercise

There are a number of benefits to be derived. Among them are:

* Government employees' health records will be available on their fingertips as full access will be provided on smartphones.

* Beneficiaries will be able to view health records on their preferred Personal Health Record (PHR) apps that they will have to download.

* Health records can then be carried from one hospital/ healthcare provider to another with all the past treatments available in a centralised location for easy access for both the person concerned and the relevant doctor.

* OPD appointment with a doctor by scanning a QR code will also likely be available.

What is ABHA?

ABHA stans for Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) number. In this system, an individual gets a 14-digit number, which is used to identify a person in an online health ecosystem. The number serves to authenticate and link the beneficiaries' health records and be provided, with his/her consent, to multiple stakeholders to better deliver healthcare services. The number allows beneficiaries to easily interact with healthcare providers. Not just that, beneficiaries also receive their lab reports, prescriptions and diagnosis online from medical professionals who have been thoroughly verified.

Steps to Create/Link ABHA number with the CGHS beneficiary ID:

There are a number of points to be kept in mind before starting this exercise:

* Mobile number must already be linked with the CGHS card.

* Aadhaar card must be linked with mobile number.

Now, check out the step-by-step process:

1) Open CGHS website www.cghs.nic.in and Log-in via Beneficiary Log-in

2) Go to the ‘Update’ Tab and Click  ‘Create/Link ABHA ID’

3) Just before the “Beneficiary Name” click on the ‘Create/Link ABHA ID’

4) Those who don't have an ABHA number, can go to ‘I don’t have an ABHA number’ tab

* Enter Aadhaar number

* Accept the Consent Message

* Click on Get Aadhaar OTP

* Enter OTP

* Click on ‘Verify OTP’

If the data that has been provided by the beneficiary matches, the ABHA number is created and successfully linked with the CGHS ID.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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