National Health Authority Extends Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS)

• 08 Aug 2023

Recently, the National Health Authority (NHA) has announced an extension of the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) until December 31, 2023, as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Key Points:

• Extension of DHIS: This scheme provides incentives to healthcare facilities, diagnostic labs, and digital health solution providers for embracing transformative digitization within the ABDM framework.
• Impactful Catalyst: Launched on January 1, 2023, DHIS has significantly accelerated the integration of digital health technologies and practices across the country.
• Enhancing Stakeholder Benefits: Due to positive feedback and notable impact, the scheme's extension aims to enable more stakeholders to avail the financial incentives.
• CEO's Perspective: The CEO of NHA emphasizes the extension's commitment to a digitally inclusive healthcare ecosystem and underscores the government's dedication to accessible and efficient healthcare services.
• Incentive Structure: Eligible health facilities and digital solutions companies can earn incentives of up to Rs. 4 crores based on the creation and linkage of digital health records to Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers.
• Eligibility Criteria: Health facilities and Digital Solution Companies registered under ABDM's Health Facility Registry (HFR) and meeting specified criteria can avail the incentives.
• Positive Impact: The DHIS advantages for Digital Solution Companies (DSCs) are anticipated to lead to cost reductions and support healthcare facilities in covering digitization costs.
• Current Status: Over 1205 health facilities, including 567 public and 638 private hospitals and clinics, have registered under DHIS. Among the 25 digital solution companies, 22 are from the private sector.
• Successful Recipients: Notable recipients of DHIS incentives include government hospitals like AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Raipur, and private hospitals like KGMU, Lucknow.
• Ongoing Evaluation: NHA continually monitors and evaluates DHIS's effectiveness for ABDM adoption and makes necessary changes as required.