UMID: Empowering Medical Beneficiaries in Indian Railways

UMID: A Unified Multi-Purpose Identification Card

UMID stands for Unique Medical Identity, and it’s a smart health card system implemented by Indian Railways. This system provides a unique identity to all medical beneficiaries individually through a perpetual entity—a unique number. 

The UMID card is a powerful and versatile identification card used in the Philippines. It serves as a common ID for four major government agencies:

1. Social Security System (SSS)
2. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
3. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
4. Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund)

Key Features of UMID:

1. Unique Identity: Each UMID cardholder receives a unique number, known as the Common Reference Number (CRN). This number serves as the ID number and is essential for various transactions.
2. Web-Enabled QR Code and Biometrics: The UMID card includes a web-enabled QR code and biometric data (such as fingerprints). These features enhance security and facilitate authentication.
3. Personal Information: The card displays the cardholder’s name, address, date of birth, front-facing photograph, and signature.
4. Security Features: Embedded magnetic strips and contactless chips store personal data securely.
5. UMID-ATM Option: GSIS and SSS members can choose between a regular UMID card and a UMID-ATM card. The latter doubles as an ATM card, allowing withdrawals from BancNet ATMs nationwide.

Who Can Apply for UMID?

1. Employees:
   • Active railway employees are eligible for UMID cards.
   • This includes both regular employees and contractual staff.
2. Pensioners:
   • Retired railway employees who receive a pension are eligible.
   • Pensioners can apply for UMID cards to access medical facilities.
3. Dependents:
   • Dependents of railway employees and pensioners can also get UMID cards.
   • This includes spouses, children, and other relatives.
4. Other Beneficiaries:
   • Quasi Railway Employees, Porters, Coolies, and other categories of beneficiaries can apply for UMID cards.

Application Process:

1. Visit an SSS or GSIS Branch:
   • Head to the nearest SSS or GSIS branch.
   • Although walk-ins are accepted, consider scheduling an online appointment for faster service.
2. Submit Requirements:
   • Fill out the UMID Card Application Form.
   • Submit the form with the required documents.
3. Biometrics and Photo Capture:
   • Have your photo taken.
   • Provide fingerprints and electronic signatures.
4. Confirmation and Card Release:
   • Wait for confirmation via text or email regarding your UMID card release.
   • Once notified, claim your UMID eCard.
5. Activate Your Card:
   • Activate your new UMID card for immediate use.

What are the benefits of having a UMID card?

1. Unified Identification: The UMID card serves as a single ID for multiple government agencies, including the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund). This streamlines transactions and reduces the need for separate IDs.
2. Web-Enabled Features: The card includes a web-enabled QR code and biometric data (such as fingerprints). These features enhance security and facilitate authentication.
3. Access to Services: With a UMID card, you can access various services related to social security, health insurance, housing, and retirement benefits. It simplifies processes like applying for loans, checking contributions, and updating personal information.
4. UMID-ATM Option: GSIS and SSS members can choose a UMID-ATM card, which doubles as an ATM card. It allows withdrawals from BancNet ATMs nationwide.
5. Efficient Transactions: Whether you’re claiming benefits, updating records, or availing of healthcare services, having a UMID card ensures smoother and faster transactions.

Where to Get Help with UMID?

For any queries or assistance regarding UMID cards, beneficiaries can reach out to the following:

• Railway HR Department or Medical Unit: Contact your designated HR department or medical unit for inquiries related to the application process, card issuance, or status updates.
• UMID Support: The UMID website might offer a “Help” section with FAQs or contact details for the UMID support team in the future. Stay tuned for official updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is UMID?
   • UMID is a smart health card system in Indian Railways.
   • It provides a unique identity to each medical beneficiary through a perpetual entity—a unique number.
   • The system uses web-enabled QR codes and biometric authentication.
2. Who Can Get UMID?
   • UMID cards are issued to:
     • Employees
     • Pensioners
     • Dependents of Employees and Pensioners
     • Other beneficiaries (e.g., Quasi Railway Employees, Porters, Coolies)
3. What Are the Benefits of UMID?
   • Convenience: Apply and revise beneficiary details online.
   • Streamlined Health Services: Built-in authentication mechanisms ease the use of health services.
   • Automatic OPD Slips: Kiosks in hospitals generate OPD slips automatically.
   • Smart Identity Features: Even without a physical card, beneficiaries can be identified using biometrics and QR codes.