In a decisive step to bridge the healthcare access gap among urban slum communities, the Gram Nirman Urban initiative, supported by Caritas India and Caritas Australia, facilitated an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card registration drive on May 28, 2025. The drive sensitised and enrolled 56 marginalised individuals, including men, women, and transgender individuals, to unlock digital, cashless healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

High medical costs and limited awareness often prevent urban slum dwellers from accessing timely and quality healthcare. The ABHA card, part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, provides a crucial lifeline by offering cashless treatment at government and empanelled private hospitals and a digital health ID to easily manage and access medical records.

Recognising these systemic barriers, Caritas India’s Gram Nirman Urban program collaborated with YRG Care, a local NGO focused on digital health services, to organise a community-level awareness and registration camp in underserved urban settlements. The initiative directly tackled challenges such as a lack of digital access, low health literacy, and fear around data privacy by offering personalised support in completing the online registration process.

Among the 56 individuals enrolled, 26 were men, 28 were women, and 2 were transgender, marking a significant step towards inclusive healthcare. Basic health screenings, including blood tests for HIV (all negative), were also conducted during the camp to build trust and initiate primary care for participants.

The ABHA card equips individuals with a 14-digit health ID, enabling easy access to medical records, simplified hospital registration, and integration with other health schemes. This is particularly useful for migrant workers and daily wage earners who often lack consistent documentation.

Yet, despite its promise, a lack of awareness, digital literacy, and access to smartphones or Aadhaar documentation continues to hinder adoption among slum populations. The Gram Nirman Urban initiative addresses this gap by building digital healthcare literacy through localised outreach, participatory events, and collaboration with grassroots partners.

This community-led awareness model is a replicable example of how integrated, inclusive approaches can ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the digital health revolution.

As healthcare increasingly goes digital, initiatives like this ensure that health equity becomes more than a promise; it becomes a practised reality for India’s most underserved communities.