The Indian Railways has announced the issuance of Unique Medical Identification (UMID) cards for its employees and pensioners, marking a significant shift in its healthcare policy. This card, priced at just ₹100, will grant railway employees and pensioners access to free medical treatment at prominent hospitals across India, including AIIMS and PGI.
What is a UMID Card?
The UMID card provides a unique identification number to railway employees and pensioners, offering them an easy way to access medical benefits across the country. The card incorporates QR codes and biometric data for a seamless identification process. Since it is linked to a centralised database, cardholders can avail of healthcare services anywhere in India, ensuring that they receive timely medical care without the hassle of location-specific restrictions.
Cost and Coverage
The UMID card costs ₹100 and will benefit approximately 12 lakh railway employees, 15 lakh pensioners, and 10 lakh of their dependents. One of the primary benefits of the card is that it eliminates the need for referrals, granting direct access to treatment in India’s top hospitals.
Integration with DigiLocker
The UMID card will be integrated into the DigiLocker platform, ensuring easy access for employees and pensioners. Pranab Kumar Malik, Executive Director (Transformation) at the Railway Board, has confirmed that the new UMID card order is in immediate effect. The cards will be generated through the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and will be stored digitally in the DigiLocker, making them accessible at any time.
Employees and pensioners can view their UMID cards through the HMIS app, which will streamline the process of accessing healthcare benefits without needing to carry a physical card.
Steps to Apply for a UMID Card
Railway employees and pensioners can follow these steps to obtain their UMID card:
- Visit the official UMID website: Go to [digitalir.in/umid](http://digitalir.in/umid).
- Download the UMID mobile application: The app is available for download on the Google Play Store.
- Select your application type: Choose from “Employee,” “Pensioner,” or “Other” as per your status.
- Register with your details : You will need to provide key information such as your PAN card number and mobile number for registration.
- Complete OTP verification: After receiving an OTP on your registered mobile number, enter it to complete the registration process.
Once these steps are completed, employees and pensioners can begin using their UMID cards for healthcare services across India.
Benefits of the UMID Card
- Seamless Healthcare Access : UMID cards will allow railway employees and pensioners to receive free treatment at major hospitals without needing a referral.
- Portability: Thanks to the centralised database, cardholders can access medical facilities anywhere in the country.
- Digital Integration : The UMID card is stored in DigiLocker, reducing the need for physical documentation and ensuring easy access through mobile devices.
- Biometric Verification: This ensures secure and accurate identification, minimising any chances of misuse.
- Affordable and Efficient: At just ₹100, the UMID card provides significant healthcare benefits to millions of railway employees and their dependents.
Conclusion
The introduction of UMID cards marks a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility for railway employees and pensioners. By offering an affordable, digital, and centralised system, Indian Railways is streamlining medical services for its workforce, ensuring they receive timely and efficient care across the country. The easy registration process and digital storage in DigiLocker further enhance the utility of this initiative.
Read More : Collapse of Malkhed Fort Wall Highlights Bengaluru’s Heritage Crisis
