Union Health Minister Mandaviya Launches AIIMS-SBI SMART Payment Card

The patients or their caretakers can get the card from the facilitation centers across AIIMS, New Delhi, and thereafter use it for payment at various counters.

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has launched the AIIMS-SBI Smart Payment Card to ensure hassle-free payments for treatment in AIIMS New Delhi.

All patients upon admission will be issued the smart card free of cost without any service charges. Further, the card will be linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification (UHID) number and the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID issued under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Health Minister said, “AIIMS Smart Payment Card will resolve the long pending issue of patients from far-flung areas carrying cash with them to the hospital.”

He noted that patients or their caretakers can get the card from the facilitation centers across AIIMS, New Delhi, and thereafter use it for payment at various counters.

Rolling Out AIIMS-SBI Smart Payment Card

The implementation of the smart card system is being rolled out in phases at AIIMS Delhi. Initially, it was introduced in the staff cafeteria for hospital employees, with plans to extend it to other AIIMS locations in the future.

Hailing the launch as a major step in patient care services and the Digital India initiative, Dr Mandaviya stated that the Digital India initiative has ushered in a new era of ease and safety which was very elusive earlier and is still a distant goal for many countries.

“AIIMS Smart Payment Card is another leaf in the success book of Digital India initiative & “One Nation, One AIIMS, One Card,” Mandaviya added.

Further, the Union Minister emphasised that funds can now be transferred easily and swiftly from across the country by anyone in case of any urgent payment-related requirement, for the patient being attended at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with regard to the implementation of the SBI-AIIMS New Delhi Smart card system has been signed.

Deliberating more on the implementation of the smart cards, Minister Mandaviya informed that in the near future the services of these cards will be extended across all the AIIMS in the country.

In his words, “A great relief to the patients & their caretakers, the services of AIIMS Smart Payment Card to be extended to all 22 AIIMS in the near future.”

He further reiterated the center’s commitment to adding further convenience measures for patients across the hospitals in the country.

The Smart Card Initiative: When Did it Start?

In January, in a significant stride towards digitization, the AIIMS Smart Card, introduced on a pilot basis in select departments, is set to encompass all sections of the premier health institute.

The decision, as per an office memorandum issued on November 17, 2022, came into effect after collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI).

The move aims to enhance patient convenience and prevent potential financial discrepancies. Furthermore, the recent revelation of tampering with discharge bills at a similar institution emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to a fully integrated digital payment system at AIIMS, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Founded in 1956, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi was established by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As an Institute of National Importance, AIIMS Delhi aims to provide high-quality medical education and healthcare services. It also provides a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnostic tests and treatments.

To keep up with modern needs, recently, AIIMS Delhi sought collaboration with IITs & IIMs to offer AI, drone-based healthcare services. Further, AIIMS seeks to explore innovative applications of drones and robotics that could revolutionize medical supply delivery and surgical procedures.