The Government of India has launched several digital health initiatives to make healthcare accessible and efficient for every citizen. One of the most important steps in this mission is the introduction of the Unique Health Identification (UHID) number under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This 14-digit unique number allows patients to store and access their complete medical history digitally, through a single platform known as the ABHA Health ID.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the UHID number, its importance, benefits, and how it is being widely adopted across India—including in major hospitals like AIIMS and various state-level platforms such as eHealth Kerala Online Registration & Appointment Booking 2025.
What is the UHID Number?
The Unique Health Identification (UHID) is a randomly generated 14-digit number assigned to individuals when they first register at major hospitals like AIIMS. This number acts as a digital key that stores all your health-related information in one place.
The UHID simplifies how health records are stored and accessed. Instead of carrying physical files or remembering past treatments, your medical data—such as prescriptions, lab results, doctor consultations, and hospital visits—can be digitally retrieved using this number.
Why Link UHID with Aadhaar?
Initially, different hospitals issued separate UHIDs, causing data fragmentation. To solve this, the government proposed linking UHID with Aadhaar, India’s universal identity system. This connection allows:
- Centralized access to health records across various hospitals.
- Quick retrieval of your UHID number through your Aadhaar.
- Streamlined sharing of health data with authorized healthcare providers.
This is particularly useful in situations where patients forget their UHID number or receive care at multiple healthcare facilities. It also supports initiatives like eHealth Kerala, where seamless digital access is crucial.
Key Benefits of UHID / ABHA Health ID Card
The UHID number has evolved into the ABHA Health ID Card, which brings several advantages for patients, doctors, and hospitals:
- Maintains a complete medical history across hospitals and doctors.
- Helps avoid duplicate tests and unnecessary procedures.
- Enables safe and consent-based sharing of medical records with other clinics.
- Quick access to lab results, prescriptions, and doctor notes from your phone or device.
- Useful in emergencies, especially when a patient is unconscious or unable to communicate.
This digital record can also be used in government health programs, private hospitals, and even AYUSH treatment centers.
What is a Personal Health Record (PHR)?
A Personal Health Record (PHR) is a digital collection of your health information, stored securely online. It can include:
- Diagnoses and treatments
- Immunization records
- Lab test results
- Allergies and ongoing medications
- Hospital admission and discharge summaries
PHRs improve communication between patients and healthcare providers. With all your health data organized and accessible in one place, you can make more informed health decisions and get better, faster treatment.
How Does UHID Work with Kerala’s eHealth System?
eHealth Kerala Online Registration & Appointment Booking 2025: Kerala is one of the most progressive states in adopting digital healthcare through the eHealth Kerala initiative, which is part of the National Digital Health Mission. As part of this system, the UHID number is mandatory for accessing government healthcare services online.
Here’s how UHID helps in eHealth Kerala Online Registration & Appointment Booking 2025:
- Seamless Online Appointments: Patients can book doctor appointments online at government hospitals across Kerala using their UHID/ABHA number.
- Instant Access to Medical Records: Test reports, prescriptions, and consultation notes are available digitally.
- Zero Paperwork: The entire process—from registration to treatment—is paperless and hassle-free.
- One Patient, One Record: Regardless of which hospital you visit, your medical history remains consistent.
Patients in Kerala must first generate their UHID/ABHA number to use eHealth services. Once registered, they can log in to the eHealth Kerala portal and access services like appointment booking, lab report viewing, and prescription management, all from their mobile phones.
Who Needs UHID Registration?
UHID registration is needed by:
- New patients visiting a hospital for the first time
- People registering under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABHA ID)
- Anyone seeking long-term or follow-up treatment
In most government and large private hospitals, UHID is mandatory. It becomes especially useful when you consult multiple doctors or visit different departments within the same hospital.
How to Register for UHID?
UHID registration is a simple process. Here’s how you can do it:
🏥 Offline Registration (At the Hospital)
- Go to the hospital’s registration or help desk.
- Fill in a basic form with your name, age, gender, and contact details.
- Submit a valid ID proof like Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or PAN card.
- You’ll receive your UHID on a card or slip.
💻 How to Register for a UHID Number Online
Many top government hospitals and health institutions across India now allow you to register for a UHID (Unique Health Identification) number through their websites or mobile apps. This makes it much easier for patients to get started without standing in long queues.
Here’s how you can typically register for your UHID online:
- Go to the Hospital’s Official Website: Start by visiting the website of the hospital where you want to receive treatment.
- Look for Patient Services: Find a section called “Patient Registration” or “UHID Generation.”
- Fill in Your Details: You’ll be asked to enter basic information like your name, age, gender, mobile number, and address.
- Upload ID Proof (if required): Some hospitals may ask you to upload Aadhaar, voter ID, or other government-approved documents.
- Submit the Form: Once everything is filled out, submit the form.
- Download or Note the UHID: You will either receive a confirmation message or be able to download your UHID slip right away.
📝 Helpful Tip: Some hospitals also offer the option to link your UHID with your ABHA Health ID (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). This helps store and manage your health records in one place, even if you visit multiple hospitals.
🌐UHID Registration via eHealth Kerala Portal
If you’re a resident of Kerala, you have a dedicated online platform to generate your UHID and book appointments at government hospitals—thanks to the eHealth Kerala initiative.
Here’s how you can register through the eHealth Kerala portal:
- Open the eHealth Kerala Website: Visit https://ehealth.kerala.gov.in/.
- Click on ‘Register’: On the homepage, select the option to register as a new user.
- Provide Your Aadhaar Number: Enter your Aadhaar number. Make sure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar for OTP verification.
- Verify with OTP: You’ll get an OTP on your mobile—enter it to verify your identity.
- Receive Your UHID: After successful verification, a 16-digit Unique Health Identification Number (UHID) will be assigned to you.
- Login and Change Password: You’ll get a default password. Use it to log in and remember to update your password for safety.
- Book Appointments Anytime: Once logged in, you can easily book appointments at nearby government hospitals without visiting in person.
🔒 Security Tip: The eHealth Kerala system keeps all your medical records secure and accessible. Whether it’s past prescriptions, lab reports, or doctor visits, everything stays stored digitally under your UHID.
What Details Are Collected During UHID Registration?
During registration, the hospital may collect:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
- Mobile number
- ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Emergency contact
This helps create a digital profile that stays with you for life in that hospital.
Can You Use the Same UHID in Other Hospitals?
No, UHIDs are usually unique to each hospital or healthcare group. If you visit a different hospital, you may need to register again. However, with the ABHA ID, your records can be accessed across participating hospitals in India.
How to Find or Recover Your UHID?
If you’ve lost your UHID number or forgot it, here’s what you can do:
- Check your previous hospital visit slip or bill
- Log into the hospital’s online portal, if available
- Visit the hospital’s help desk and provide your name and phone number to retrieve it
Final Thoughts
The UHID number, now known as the ABHA Health ID, is more than just a number—it’s your gateway to a digital and connected healthcare future. From national platforms like the Ayushman Bharat Health Mission to state-level innovations such as eHealth Kerala Online Registration & Appointment Booking 2025, this single ID makes healthcare simpler, faster, and more transparent.
Whether you are a patient at AIIMS or seeking an online appointment at a Kerala government hospital, generating your UHID is the first step towards smarter and safer health management. Take control of your health today—register for your UHID and explore the benefits of digital health.