January 26 deadline

The health department issued directives on Wednesday, urging the completion of electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) for Ayushman cards by January 26, 2024. The initiative aims to ensure that 100% eligible beneficiaries receive Ayushman cards during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. To streamline the process, the health department is actively promoting the use of the recently launched ‘Ayushman App,’ designed for the creation of Ayushman Cards. Notably, the app introduces a unique self-verification feature, enhancing the efficiency of the registration process. Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), emphasized the importance of e-KYC completion and outlined a strategic approach to monitoring progress. Daily targets will be allocated to districts, and Chief Medical Health Officers (CMHOs) will assume responsibility, particularly in districts with lower performance. Singh highlighted the upgraded features of the new version of the ‘Ayushman App’ developed by the National Health Authority. In addition to e-KYC, the application now includes a self-verification feature and allows the downloading of approved cards, enhancing accessibility and convenience for beneficiaries. Addressing the need for awareness, Singh urged officials to actively engage with the public at the district level, encouraging individuals to participate in the Ayushman scheme. Beneficiaries were informed that they could either download the Ayushman card themselves by completing e-KYC via their mobile phones or seek assistance from the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker in their area. The directive aligns with the government’s commitment to maximizing the reach of Ayushman benefits, ensuring that eligible individuals are enrolled in the scheme. By leveraging technology and promoting self-verification, the government aims to expedite the process, providing seamless access to healthcare services for all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011.