Daily Current Affairs : 7-August-2023
In a bid to accelerate the adoption of digital health technologies and practices in healthcare delivery, the National Health Authority (NHA) has recently declared the extension of its Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) until December 2023. This strategic move marks a significant step towards fostering a robust digital health ecosystem across the country.
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Transforming Healthcare
At its core, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing healthcare delivery in India through digital means. It strives to create an integrated digital platform that encompasses various aspects of healthcare, making it more efficient, accessible, and patient-centric. One of the key components of ABDM is the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS), which has played a pivotal role in driving the integration of digital health technologies into the healthcare landscape.
Unveiling the Digital Health Incentives Scheme
The Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) was initially introduced as a part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. This visionary scheme has acted as a powerful catalyst, propelling the widespread adoption of digital health practices across the nation. DHIS operates on the premise of rewarding and incentivizing key stakeholders who actively contribute to the digital health ecosystem. These stakeholders include hospitals, diagnostic labs, and providers of digital health solutions such as Hospital/Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Laboratory Management Information Systems (LMIS).
Expanding the Horizon of Incentives
The recent extension of the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) brings with it a renewed vigor to bolster the digital health landscape. Notably, the incentives provided under this scheme will target specific entities that play vital roles in the healthcare ecosystem. These entities encompass:
- Health Facilities with 10 or More Beds: Recognizing the significance of healthcare facilities, the scheme extends incentives to health facilities with a bed capacity of 10 or more. This encompasses hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare establishments, incentivizing them to actively participate in digital health integration.
- Laboratory and Radiology Diagnostic Centers: Diagnostic centers, which serve as critical pillars of healthcare diagnosis and treatment, are also encompassed under the scheme. The incentives aim to encourage these centers to adopt digital solutions for improved patient care and record-keeping.
- Digital Solution Companies: Entities that provide ABDM-enabled digital solutions, such as Hospital/Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Laboratory Management Information Systems (LMIS), are pivotal in shaping the digital health landscape. The incentives will motivate these solution providers to continually innovate and contribute to the mission’s success.
Quantifying Incentives: A Linked Transaction Approach
A unique and innovative approach lies at the heart of determining incentives under the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS). The quantification of incentives hinges on the number of ABHA-linked transactions. ABHA, or Ayushman Bharat Health Account, is a digital repository of health records that are linked to individual patients. Every digital health record that is created and linked to ABHA contributes to the quantum of incentives allocated to the respective entities.
Important Points:
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
- Transformative initiative for digitizing healthcare in India.
- Focus: Integrated digital platform for efficient, accessible, and patient-centric healthcare.
- Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS)
- Launched as part of ABDM.
- Catalyst for digital health adoption in the country.
- Incentivizes hospitals, diagnostic labs, and digital health solution providers.
- Entities Targeted by DHIS
- Health facilities with 10 or more beds.
- Laboratory/radiology diagnostic centers.
- Digital solution companies providing ABDM-enabled solutions.
- Incentive Determination: ABHA-linked Transactions
- Incentives based on number of ABHA-linked transactions.
- ABHA: Ayushman Bharat Health Account, digital repository of patient health records.
- Every linked digital health record contributes to incentives.
Why In News
The National Health Authority (NHA) is delighted to declare the continuation of its transformative Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) as an integral part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), now extended until December 2023. This extension reflects the NHA’s steadfast commitment to promoting accessible and advanced healthcare services for all, fostering a digital revolution in the realm of public health.
MCQs about Ayushman Bharat Mission
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What is the main purpose of extending the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?
A. To promote the adoption of digital health technologies and practices in healthcare.
B. To increase the number of hospitals and clinics in the country.
C. To provide financial incentives to patients for healthcare services.
D. To improve transportation facilities for rural healthcare.
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Which entities are eligible to receive incentives under the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS)?
A. Health Facilities with 5 or more beds.
B. Pharmacy stores and drug manufacturers.
C. IT companies providing software services.
D. Health Facilities with 10 or more beds, Laboratory/radiology diagnostic centers, and Digital Solution Companies.
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What is Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and how does it relate to the incentives provided under DHIS?
A. ABHA is a financial account for patients, and incentives are based on account balance.
B. ABHA is a digital repository of health records, and incentives are provided based on the number of ABHA-linked transactions.
C. ABHA is a software platform for hospitals, and incentives are given to hospitals using it.
D. ABHA is a government agency overseeing digital healthcare, and incentives are granted to support its operations.
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What is the significance of extending the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?
A. It aims to reduce the number of hospitals and clinics in the country.
B. It provides financial incentives directly to patients for healthcare services.
C. It promotes the integration of digital health technologies and practices across the healthcare sector.
D. It focuses on improving transportation facilities for rural healthcare.
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