---
title: "ABDM Health ID (ABHA)"
description: "How to create, link, and manage ABHA Health IDs in NICE HMS — Aadhar-based creation, ABHA address management, and profile verification."
date: 2026-07-19
lastModified: 2026-07-22
category: "abdm"
author: "Dr. Umesh Bilagi"
beta: false
---

## Overview

ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is India's digital health ID. NICE HMS lets you create new ABHA numbers for patients via Aadhar, link existing ABHA addresses, and download official NHA-format ABHA cards.

## Creating a New ABHA via Aadhar

1. From the side panel, navigate to **Patient** → **New ABHA Address**.
2. Enter the patient's **Aadhar number**, read and check the **consent checkbox**, and submit.
3. The patient receives an OTP on their Aadhar-linked mobile number.
4. Enter the **OTP** and the patient's **mobile number**.
   - Use the Aadhar-linked mobile number. If you enter a different number, an additional OTP will be sent to that number for verification.
5. After OTP verification:
   - If the patient has **never created an ABHA before**, the system shows suggested ABHA addresses — pick one from the dropdown.
   - If the patient **already has an ABHA**, it is displayed automatically and you are taken to the ABHA card page.
6. On the ABHA card page, you can:
   - **Download ABHA Number Card** — a canvas-generated card with QR code.
   - **Download Official ABHA Card** — the official NHA-format PNG fetched directly from ABDM.
   - **Register Patient** — creates a patient record in NICE HMS from the ABHA profile.

## Linking an Existing ABHA

If the patient already has an ABHA address (e.g., `ramesh.kumar@abdm`):

1. From the side panel, navigate to **Patient** → **ABDM Patient**.
2. Enter the patient's **ABHA number** or **ABHA address**.
3. Select the **authentication mode** (mobile OTP, Aadhar OTP, or demographics).
4. Complete the OTP verification.
5. The ABHA is linked and you are redirected to the patient management page.

## ABHA Card Download

NICE HMS provides two download options on the ABHA card page:

| Button | Source | Format |
|--------|--------|--------|
| **Download ABHA Number Card** | Generated in-browser on a card template with patient photo, QR code, and ABHA details | PNG |
| **Download Official ABHA Card** | Fetched from ABDM (`/profile/account/abha-card`) — the official NHA card | PNG |

## Viewing ABHA Profile

Once linked, you can view the patient's ABHA profile on the card page:
- KYC photo
- Full name as per Aadhar
- Gender, date of birth
- Mobile number
- ABHA number and ABHA address

## Disconnecting an ABHA

To disconnect an ABHA from a patient record:

1. Enter the patient's **UHID** in the top horizontal search bar and press Enter — this takes you to the **Patient Dashboard** (`/admin/patient/patient-management/{UHID}`).
2. On the Patient Dashboard, click **Edit Patient Details** — this opens the edit form (`/admin/patient/edit/{UHID}`).
3. Scroll to the ABHA section under the **More Details** accordion. The ABHA Number and ABHA Address fields are displayed as read-only (disabled).
4. Click the red **Disconnect ABHA** button — this clears both fields.
5. **Submit** the form to persist the change.

## Important Notes

- ABHA addresses must be unique within your organization — you cannot link the same ABHA address to two different patient records.
- When a patient has an ABHA linked, demographic fields (name, gender, DOB, mobile) are locked to prevent conflicts with the ABHA profile.
- If duplicate patients exist, merge them into the ABHA patient record. The ABHA patient must be the merge target. See [Merging Duplicate Patients](/docs/merging-duplicate-patients).
- Use the **Org ABHA Cards** page (side panel → Patient → Org ABHA Cards) to view all ABHA records in your organization.

## FAQ

**Q: What if the patient doesn't have Aadhar?**
A: ABHA can be created without Aadhar using a **Driving License** on the ABHA portal (abha.abdm.gov.in). Without either, patients can visit an **ABHA facilitation centre** (typically at government hospitals) with PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport for assisted enrollment. Mobile-only unverified ABHA accounts are also possible but have limited functionality until KYC is completed.

**Q: Can I unlink an ABHA from a patient?**
A: Yes, edit the patient record and click **Disconnect ABHA** under More Details.

**Q: What if the OTP doesn't arrive?**
A: Ensure the Aadhar-linked mobile number is correct and has network. The patient can check their Aadhar-linked mobile via the mAadhar app.