ABHA health ID: what it is, why it helps, and how to create one
A plain guide to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA): what the 14-digit number does, how to create it with Aadhaar or a driving licence, and how consent-based sharing works.
By the MedMate team4 min read
Quick answer
ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is a free, voluntary 14-digit health ID from the Government of India. It lets you keep prescriptions and reports from different hospitals and labs in one place and share them only when you give consent. You can create it online with your Aadhaar or driving licence in a few minutes.
Think of the folder of old prescriptions and reports in your cupboard, the one you carry to every new doctor. ABHA is the government’s way of putting that folder on your phone, with you in control of who sees it.
What ABHA is
- A 14-digit number that identifies you in India’s digital health system, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
- An ABHA address, a simple ID like yourname@abdm, used to link and share records.
- It is free and voluntary. Having one is not required to get treatment.
Why it helps
- Prescriptions, lab reports and discharge summaries from linked hospitals and labs can come to one place.
- You decide who sees what: records are shared only with your consent, and you can withdraw it.
- A new doctor can see your history faster, which matters for allergies and long-term conditions.
How to create your ABHA
- Go to the official ABHA website (abha.abdm.gov.in) or an ABDM-approved health app.
- Choose to create an ABHA number with Aadhaar (OTP to the linked mobile) or a driving licence.
- Verify your details, set your ABHA address, and download your ABHA card.
- Keep your number private, like you would a bank account number.
ABHA and MedMate
MedMate plans to let you link your ABHA so prescriptions and orders stay together, shared only with your consent. We will offer this only once MedMate is approved under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Linking will always be optional.
Sources and further reading
Questions
Is ABHA mandatory?
No. ABHA is voluntary and free. You can get treatment without it.
What do I need to create an ABHA number?
Your Aadhaar with a linked mobile number, or a driving licence.
Who can see my ABHA health records?
Only people and facilities you give consent to, for the time you allow.
MedMate is launching soon in Bengaluru
Medicines from licensed pharmacies near you, with prices compared and delivery tracked. Join the waitlist to be first.
Join the waitlist