The global healthcare ecosystem is facing rising costs, unequal access, poor outcomes and the growing burden of chronic diseases as major speed breakers, demanding collective action.
With Artificial Intelligence setting its foot in the healthcare scene, the need for a strong, unified healthcare database increases. The effectiveness of AI in healthcare relies on strong interconnectivity across diverse data sources. Duplication of data across countries wastes resources and delays progress in addressing universal health challenges. Thus, a unified healthcare database enables scalable, trustworthy, and equitable algorithms.
According to the World Economic Forum, India is a key proponent of the World Health Organization’s (WHO), Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), launched during the G20 Summit under India’s Presidency in 2023. The country has been successful in promoting collaboration, interoperability, and equitable access to digital health solutions.
India has been identified as a potent leader in digital health at multiple instances due to its robust digital public infrastructure (DPI) and ambitious national health initiatives that provide the foundation for scalable and sustainable solutions.
Recently, MedBound Times reported that Dr. Penny Dash, CBE, MSc, MBA, FRCP, Chair of NHS England, said in an interview with HealthTech Hour, “India is going to become the Global exemplar in healthcare provision.”
She was particularly fascinated by how India uses technology to reduce unit cost and democratize access to healthcare. “Technology now was standardized operating processes 20 years ago and they were very early in adopting standardized operating processes and now tech enables standardized operating processes,” she further explained.
Launched in 2018, AB PM-JAY is the world's largest health assurance program. It covers more than 60 crore beneficiaries. Over 13 crore hospital admissions involving treatment worth more than 2 lakhs have been registered under the initiative.
Since its launch, the scheme has undergone multiple amendments. Its was expanded in January 2022 to cover 12 crore families and again in September 2024 to cover senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a nationwide initiative to connect healthcare service providers and patients through unique health IDs. It is the backbone needed to build integrated digital health infrastructure.
Under ABDM, 97.8 crore ABHA IDs have been registered. The project also harnesses 49 crore Ayushman Card holders and approximately 121 crore health records linked.
The ABDM ecosystem registers 5.6 lakh health facilities and 11 lakh healthcare professionals.
In Arogya Manthan 2026, J.P. Nadda, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, mentioned the development of the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), which seeks to bring hospitals and insurers onto a common digital platform.
An initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), after a surge in telemedicine demands in the post-COVID era. It enables remote consultations, reducing the burden on physical healthcare facilities.
The platform consists of two modules:
e-Sanjeevani OPD: Facilitates remote doctor-to-patient consultations.
e-Sanjeevani AB-HWC: Connects Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) to specialist doctors for better healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
Launched in 2024, the U-Win web-portal or the U-WIN citizen mobile application provides complete digitization of vaccination services.
It helps in maintaining vaccination records for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunization Programme.
By November 2024, it recorded 7.43 crore beneficiaries registered, 1.26 crore vaccination sessions held and 27.77 crore administered vaccine doses.
Aarogya Setu is a National Health App, bringing a whole plethora of digital health services powered by the ABDM.
One can register for an Ayushman Bharat Health Account using the app and utilize it for interaction with participating healthcare providers. It also allows the user to receive digital lab reports, prescriptions and diagnosis seamlessly from verified healthcare professionals.
Aarogya Setu also helps patients to schedule online doctor appointments powered by e-Sanjeevani OPD Application.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s initiative to optimize Hospital Management Information System (HMIS).
The e-Hospital, e-BloodBank and Online Registration System (ORS) applications allow seamless coordination between patients, doctors and healthcare service providers.
Launched in 2022 with a purpose to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
According to a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare press release, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells and have started tele mental health services. More than 17.6 lakh calls have been handled on the helpline number, as on January 20, 2025.
Organised by the National Health Authority (NHA), the Arogya Manthan 2026 event brought together government officials, healthcare providers, insurers, technology and digital health experts, academics, development partners and other stakeholders. The healthcare professionals discussed India’s health assurance and digital health ecosystem and defined priorities for its next phase.
The event also launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s digital health and health assurance infrastructure. These include:
National Healthcare Providers Registry (NHPR) Mobile App
NHCX Implementation Guide for Payers
Guidebook for a Model Digital Health Facility
Secure Data Environment (SDE) application
Framework for Auto-Adjudication of Claims under AB PM-JAY