Vashi Public Hospital in Navi Mumbai has emerged as a frontrunner in adopting the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), a government initiative aiming to revolutionise healthcare access and efficiency through digital tools.

Mr. Dipti Gaur Mukherjee, CEO of the National Health Authority (NHA)—the government agency overseeing the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)—recently visited Vashi Public Hospital. During his visit, he witnessed demonstrations showcasing the system's functionalities, which are set to revolutionise patient care and administrative efficiency.

One key feature demonstrated was the Abha App Registration. This user-friendly government health application allows patients to register themselves for appointments seamlessly. By utilising the app, patients can avoid the traditional, often cumbersome registration process. Another significant functionality is the Instant Token Generation. This feature eliminates the need for patients to stand in long queues, as appointment tokens can be generated electronically. This not only saves time but also enhances the overall convenience for patients visiting the hospital. Additionally, the demonstration highlighted the Quick Retrieval of Medical Records. With patient consent, medical records can be easily accessed through the Abha app. This streamlines consultations and allows doctors to make informed decisions based on a patient's complete medical history, ensuring more efficient and accurate medical care.

Mr. Mukherjee's visit underscored the transformative potential of the ABDM system in enhancing healthcare delivery and patient experience. Dr. Kailas Shinde, Commissioner of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), announced the upcoming computerisation of all hospital operations. This move is set to modernise healthcare delivery and enhance patient experiences across Navi Mumbai's public health facilities. Dr. Shinde also highlighted the significant advantages offered by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) for both patients and doctors.

One of the key benefits is Reduced Waiting Times. With faster registration processes and easier access to medical records through the Abha app, patients will experience significantly reduced waiting times. This improvement streamlines hospital visits, making healthcare more efficient and patient-friendly. Improved Care Coordination is another critical advantage. The Abha app allows doctors to access a patient’s complete medical history, enabling them to provide more informed care. This comprehensive view of a patient’s health records supports better treatment decisions and enhances the overall quality of care provided. The Portability of Medical Records is a game-changer for patients. The Abha app empowers individuals to seamlessly share their medical records with any hospital across the country, including private facilities. This eliminates the need for patients to carry physical copies of their medical history or worry about missing information, ensuring continuity of care wherever they go.

Dr. Shinde's announcement underscores the transformative potential of ABDM in revolutionising healthcare delivery, making it more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric. The computerisation of hospital operations, combined with the benefits of ABDM, is poised to significantly improve healthcare services in Navi Mumbai.

Mr. Mukherjee expressed his satisfaction with the NMMC's effective implementation of ABDM at Vashi Public Hospital. He commended their efforts and assured continued support from the NHA for the scheme's next phase, ensuring its successful expansion and wider adoption.

Mr. Mukherjee's visit extended beyond healthcare. He also took the opportunity to appreciate the NMMC's commitment to environmental sustainability. He inspected the corporation's nature park, a Miyawaki forest area (a dense native tree plantation technique promoting biodiversity), and a unique "aspirational toilet" constructed using recycled waste. These initiatives showcase Navi Mumbai's dedication to a healthy future for both its citisens and the environment.