New digital health and health-insurance initiatives were launched at Arogya Manthan 2026 in New Delhi, with the National Health Authority (NHA) introducing systems aimed at improving health-data use, insurance claims processing and interoperability across the healthcare ecosystem.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the event at Vigyan Bhawan on September 25, marking eight years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and five years of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Secure environment planned for health-data research
One of the key initiatives launched at the event was the Secure Data Environment (SDE), developed by NHA with support from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
The platform is designed to provide approved users with controlled access to de-identified AB PM-JAY and ABDM data. Researchers and authorised organisations will be able to analyse data or execute code within an isolated NHA environment, with outputs reviewed before release.
The initiative is intended to support health research, programme planning, outcome analysis and responsible artificial intelligence applications while maintaining safeguards for personal data.
New framework for automated claims processing
NHA also launched a Framework for Auto-Adjudication of Claims under AB PM-JAY, aimed at using technology and data-driven processes to streamline claims adjudication.
Other initiatives launched included the National Healthcare Providers Registry (NHPR) Mobile App, NHCX Implementation Guide for Payers and a Guidebook for a Model Digital Health Facility.
NHCX to connect hospitals and insurers
The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) was another major focus of the event. The platform is intended to bring hospitals and insurers onto a common digital framework and support more standardised claims and insurance processes.
Discussions at Arogya Manthan also covered claims processing, strategic purchasing, healthcare quality and cost-effectiveness, digital platforms for improving access, and common health-data standards.
ABDM crosses 97.8 crore ABHAs
The developments come as ABDM continues to expand its digital infrastructure. As of September 1, 2026, more than 97.8 crore ABHA IDs had been created and over 121 crore health records linked. More than 5.6 lakh health facilities and around 11 lakh healthcare professionals were registered on the ABDM ecosystem.
AB PM-JAY, meanwhile, has crossed 60 crore beneficiaries and facilitated more than 13 crore hospital admissions, with treatment worth over ₹2 lakh crore, according to the Union Health Ministry.
The initiatives unveiled at Arogya Manthan 2026 place greater emphasis on interoperability, digital claims, controlled health-data access and technology-enabled healthcare delivery as India moves into the next phase of its health assurance and digital health programmes.
