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In a series of robust steps to fortify cyber security and bridge digital access gaps, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is driving forward the safe digital transformation of India’s health ecosystem. The initiatives were highlighted by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on August 5, 2025.
Patient Consent at the Core of Data Exchange
Under ABDM, health data exchange between stakeholders is strictly permitted only after explicit patient consent. This model guarantees that the privacy and rights of citizens remain at the forefront of digital health advancement. To further protect sensitive information, all digital health applications aiming for ABDM integration must pass through comprehensive security audits such as the Web Application Security Audit (WASA) and are first validated in a controlled sandbox environment. These measures are designed to ensure compliance with the Health Data Management Policy (HDM Policy), 2020, and to maintain the integrity and security of India’s health data infrastructure.
Strengthening Interoperability and Standards
Significant technological strides have been made through the establishment of the Health Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIECM) gateway, which enables seamless health record interoperability by mandating common data standards across providers. The Unified Health Interface (UHI) further amplifies such interoperability, offering a standardized protocol for health services built under the ABDM umbrella.
In its continued drive for uniformity, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued comprehensive EHR (Electronic Health Record) standards for India, first in September 2013 and then expanded in December 2016. The National Resource Centre for EHR Standards (NRCeS), a Centre of Excellence, was set up to accelerate and promote adoption of these standards nationwide.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Recognizing challenges in digital literacy, the ABHA portal and India’s government personal health record (PHR) application—the ABHA app—have been designed to be multi-lingual and highly intuitive. This approach is aimed at closing the digital literacy gap and ensuring that every citizen can benefit equitably from the mission’s objectives. For citizens in areas with limited internet access or hardware infrastructure, the ABDM supports assisted and offline modes for the creation of ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) numbers, ensuring no one is left behind.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information officially posted by PIB Delhi on August 5, 2025, concerning the cyber security measures and inclusivity steps under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. For complete details and the latest updates, readers are advised to refer to government sources.
