Revolutionizing Health: How Digital Solutions are Transforming Noncommunicable Disease Management in Chhattisgarh

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) is transforming healthcare in India, especially for managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension. This digital health ID is a key part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It allows people to securely keep and share their medical records, enhancing communication and coordination among hospitals and clinics.

In Chhattisgarh, ABHA IDs are linked to the national NCD portal. This integration helps streamline the enrollment, diagnosis, and treatment of NCD patients. The initiative also includes training for community health workers to use these IDs effectively, ensuring better care for patients who need long-term treatment.

Recent data from Durg district shows significant improvements. By early 2025, over 12,600 ABHA IDs were linked to patients’ health records. The follow-up rate for patients with ABHA IDs rose to 68%, compared to just 37% for those without. Similarly, the control rate for hypertension and diabetes increased to 49% among ABHA-linked patients, up from 29% for non-linked patients. These changes suggest that ABHA IDs may play a vital role in improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Priyanka Shukla, a health officer in Chhattisgarh, emphasizes the importance of the ABHA ID for enhancing health service delivery. Training programs are being conducted to help health workers manage and share patient data more efficiently. Health staff like Ms. Jhaneshwary Sahu have reported that scanning ABHA IDs reduces errors and improves follow-up rates.

Professor Dr. Kamlesh Jain, the state NCD nodal officer, highlights that this integration will refine data quality and management of NCD care in Chhattisgarh. The comprehensive tracking of ABHA ID usage is crucial, and WHO is actively supporting the state’s health departments in this initiative.

This digital approach to health management marks a significant step toward better handling of chronic diseases in India, providing insightful lessons on the potential of technology in healthcare. Similar initiatives may serve as a model in other regions aiming to improve health outcomes and enhance the patient experience in managing chronic illnesses.

For more information on the national NCD portal, you can visit National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD).

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