Odisha is set to embrace the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) with a pilot project in Keonjhar district, as declared by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during a high-level review of the Health and Family Welfare Department. This initiative marks Odisha’s structured integration into India’s national digital health framework, aiming to streamline patient journeys through technology.

The pilot focuses on digitizing essential services: appointment scheduling, OPD/IPD bookings, referrals, follow-up care, and electronic health records via ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). Features like Scan & Share QR codes will enable instant, paperless registrations and secure data sharing, reducing queues and administrative delays while ensuring continuity across facilities.

Keonjhar’s selection as the pilot site reflects its representative mix of urban and rural healthcare needs, allowing real-world testing before scaling. Upon success, the system will expand statewide creating a responsive, interconnected network that optimizes resource use and prioritizes patient convenience.

This aligns with broader reforms approved in the meeting: launching Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses in district headquarters hospitals for specialized training and renewed emphasis on traditional medicine integration.

Officials highlight benefits: shorter waiting times, better infrastructure utilization, empowered patients with portable records, and data-driven planning for public health challenges.

As one of the last states to fully onboard ABDM components, Odisha’s move following national trends like Bihar’s 91% digital OPD adoption positions it to leapfrog into efficient, equitable care delivery.