AIIMS starts unique health ID number system for its patients

NEW DELHI: AIIMS has started issuing Unique Health Identification numbers to its patients with a view to electronically track medical care facilities provided to them and also to have a systematised database in place.

Till now, all patients at AIIMS were identified by the out patient department ( OPD) cards issued to them.

"The hospital administration is, however, not doing away with OPD cards. The UHID number will be mentioned on the OPD card," an AIIMS doctor said.

"With the help of UHID numbers, a database will be created which will make it easier to find out the history of patient's treatment at the hospital even if they are coming after a gap of 10-20 years.

"Further, a person having a UHID number wouldn't need to bring his earlier treatment or test reports," he said.

People, who have undergone treatment at AIIMS earlier, are also being issued UHID numbers. This facility came into force recently.

At least 15 lakh outpatients come to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) every year.