New Delhi: Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda will on Monday launch a revamped version of the Aarogya Setu app, transforming it from a COVID-19 contact-tracing platform into a comprehensive digital health records application under the government’s digital healthcare initiative.

Aarogya Setu reimagined under ABDM

The new Aarogya Setu 2.0 will function as a single digital gateway for citizens to access health services, manage personal health records and promote wider adoption of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic for contact tracing, risk assessment and citizen engagement, the application was later transferred by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to the National Health Authority for long-term integration into India’s digital health ecosystem.

Officials said the revamped platform has been redesigned in line with the vision of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and seeks to leverage the app’s nearly 20 crore downloads to expand the use of digital healthcare services across the country.

Comprehensive personal health records

One of the key features of Aarogya Setu 2.0 is the ability to create and manage an individual’s Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA).

Users will be able to access, store and manage their health records through the platform. The application will also offer the ‘scan and share’ facility, enabling digital registration at healthcare facilities.

The app is designed to function as a trusted personal health repository, allowing users to maintain their medical information in a single, secure platform.

AI-powered digitisation of medical records

The revamped application will use artificial intelligence to digitise medical records, including laboratory reports available as text-based PDFs or images.

Officials said the AI-based system would help create a personalised health dashboard based on an individual’s medical history, making it easier to track healthcare information and access medical records whenever required.

The platform is also expected to simplify the management of health data by automatically organising records and presenting them in an accessible format.

Monitoring health and managing expenses

Aarogya Setu 2.0 will support monitoring of various health parameters through integrated tracking of vital signs, medication reminders and personalised health goals.

The application can also synchronise with wearable devices to track metrics such as steps, calories burned, heart rate and blood glucose levels.

Another major addition is the PM-JAY wallet feature, which will allow beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to view available healthcare coverage, expenditure details and family-wise utilisation of benefits.

The feature aims to improve transparency and help beneficiaries plan future medical expenses more effectively.

Features for insurance and healthcare access

For personnel covered under the Central Armed Police Forces health scheme, the application will display policy details, information on covered family members and reimbursement data.

Users will also be able to access information regarding private health insurance policies, including wallet balances and claims.

The app will help users search for nearby hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres and doctors using GPS-based location services. It will also assist users in locating PM-JAY empanelled hospitals.

Additionally, the platform integrates with e-RaktKosh to provide real-time information on blood availability and offers ambulance booking services.

Family management and privacy safeguards

The application includes family profile management features that allow users to add parents, spouses and children under a single account.

Medication reminders based on prescriptions or manual inputs are also part of the platform’s expanded capabilities.

Importantly, Aarogya Setu 2.0 incorporates a consent management system that enables users to approve, deny or review requests for sharing their health data. Officials said information would be shared only with user consent and in accordance with India’s digital health privacy framework.

Conclusion

The launch of Aarogya Setu 2.0 marks a significant transformation of the application from a pandemic-era contact-tracing tool into a comprehensive digital healthcare platform. The government expects the revamped app to become a trusted personal health record system for individuals and families while accelerating the adoption of digital public health infrastructure under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.