A beneficiary showing Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) health cards in New Delhi on April 10, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
To ensure that authentic patient records are maintained by medical colleges, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has written to them directing that Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID should be recorded along with patient registration in the hospital.
The ABHA card contains a unique 14-digit identification number called ABHA ID. The entire medical history, consultation details, and prescriptions are included in the ABHA ID. However, NMC maintained that no patient should be denied treatment without the ABHA lD.
For authentic records
In its letter to the dean/principals of all medical colleges and institutes under NMC, the body noted that the intent is to ensure availability of authentic records of patients and the clinical material in the associated hospital of the medical college. However, it has been noticed that this requirement is not being followed by all medical colleges and for all patients. As per the latest directive, colleges shall maintain the records of all patients.
“All in-patient records should have the entry of the unit faculty and senior residents with their name and signature authenticating that they have admitted and seen the patient. All investigative reports should be signed by a faculty in the corresponding department. Verification of the authenticity may be conducted by the NMC as part of the assessments. If at any point of time, the patient records are found to be fake; action shall be taken against the concerned faculty and the college/institute,” NMC said, adding that the move was decided in the Commission (NMC) 14th meeting held recently.
All medical colleges are now required to ensure that ABHA lD be mentioned as a prerequisite for registration of patients visiting for the OPD/ IPD/ emergency services in hospitals attached to them. Additionally, all patients must have registration done with the ABHA lD in addition to the hospital’s registration number, the letter noted.
“The Commission has endorsed a strong need to have authentication of patients and other clinical material in the hospital for decision on the prospects of a college (increased seats in UG or PG, new college, annual renewal of permission/recognition to admit students). The creation of ABHA lD is a very simple process and can be facilitated conveniently with the possession of Aadhaar card that has already been extended to people on a large scale,” the letters stated.
Published – July 30, 2025 07:57 pm IST
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