Introduction of Unique Health ID in Bangladesh

Introduction to Health ID
In 2023, Bangladesh introduced a unique Health ID for every citizen as a crucial component of the country’s Health Information Exchange (HIE) system. The Health ID, which begins with the digit 9, is designed to ensure seamless management and sharing of medical information across healthcare facilities while avoiding duplication of records. It serves as a cornerstone for digital health transformation, enabling efficient, patient-centered healthcare delivery.

Why a Health ID?

1. Inclusion for All Age Groups:

   • Unlike the National ID (NID), which is issued only to individuals aged 18 and above, the Health ID system includes citizens of all ages by leveraging Birth Registration Numbers for individuals under 18 years. This ensures universal coverage and inclusivity in health services.

2. Prevention of Duplication:

   • A person can obtain only one Health ID, issued after verification of either their National ID (NID) or Birth Registration Number (BRN). This strict validation process eliminates the possibility of duplicate records.

3. Facilitating Health Information Exchange:

   • The Health ID is crucial for ensuring interoperability across hospitals and health systems in Bangladesh. It enables the retrieval of a patient’s medical history from any facility with a hospital automation system, given the patient's explicit consent.

How to Obtain a Health ID
The Health ID system offers multiple convenient ways for citizens to register, ensuring accessibility for diverse populations:

1. Point of Care Registration:

   • Citizens can obtain a Health ID while visiting hospitals where OpenMRS+ is operational. By presenting their NID or BRN, patients can register for a Health ID on the spot at the hospital’s registration desk or ticket counter.

2. Community-Based Registration (OpenSRP):

   • In areas where OpenSRP is available, community health workers facilitate Health ID registration during domiciliary visits for maternal and child health services, routine vaccination campaigns, or other outreach programs under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

3. Online Portal:

   • An online portal (https://eappointment.dghs.gov.bd) allows citizens to obtain a health ID by providing their NID or birth registration number. In selected pilot areas, from this portal, anyone can book appointments for outdoor services. However, getting an online appointment for outdoor services is limited to only piloting areas. This convenient feature enables access to health services even before visiting a healthcare facility and allows patients to obtain their own Health ID from home. Even if a person is out-of-country or abroad, they can also obtain a Health ID from this online portal.

Benefits of Health ID

1. Seamless Access to Medical Records:

   • Once issued, a Health ID links the patient to their comprehensive medical history. With proper consent, any healthcare facility equipped with hospital automation systems can retrieve a patient’s previous records, streamlining care delivery.

2. Enhanced Continuity of Care:

   • The Health ID ensures that critical patient information is available at every point of care, reducing errors and improving the quality of treatment.

3. Data-Driven Healthcare:

   • Health IDs provide a foundation for collecting accurate, population-level health data, enabling better planning and policymaking.

4. Patient-Centered Approach:

   • Patients retain control over their medical information through consent mechanisms, fostering trust in the health system.

Real-Time Monitoring of Health ID Distribution
The progress of Health ID distribution is monitored through a real-time dashboard at https://pdb.shrlive.dghs.gov.bd. This ensures transparency and allows for timely adjustments in the implementation process.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Internet Dependency:

   • While the Health ID system relies on internet connectivity for real-time data sharing, offline functionality is supported in facilities with intermittent connectivity. This ensures services are not disrupted due to infrastructure challenges.

2. Awareness and Training:

   • Health workers and community members are being educated about the importance of Health IDs and the processes for obtaining them.

Conclusion
The Health ID system marks a significant step in Bangladesh's journey toward a digitally empowered healthcare system. By ensuring universal health coverage, preventing duplication, and enabling seamless data exchange, the Health ID enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of health services. With multiple registration pathways and real-time monitoring, the initiative is poised to transform healthcare delivery for millions of citizens.