Cyprus and Morocco launching biometric identity cards, India to launch national health cards

Cyprus’ biometric ID cards have reached public availability, according to Philenews, bringing the national identity document into line with international and European security requirements.

The Civil Registry and Migration Department announced the availability of the new cards, which meet EU Regulation 2019/1157 requirements. The requirements were put in place to prevent forgery and impersonation in part by supporting biometric identity checks.

Existing IDs will remain valid until their expiration date.

Malaysia’s government announced earlier this year that biometrics will be added to all of the country’s official identity documents.

Morocco is moving forward with its biometric National Electronic Identity Card (CNIE), after the government accepted a draft decree, Morocco World News reports.

The card will feature a scannable area and NFC communication technology, and be secured with a PIN, as well as containing fingerprint biometrics. It is expected to fill the role of a digital ID, but is also mandatory for Moroccans over the age of 16, lowered from 18 for the previous version. Minors can hold a card, but if they do they must renew it at 12 years of age to register their fingerprints.

The bill had been tabled by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit on June 17.

Idemia was selected to supply the biometric cards late last year.

India launching new digital health card

India is launching a new digital health identity card to enable access to medical care while preventing fraud, the Economic Times writes. The card is also expected to help protect patients from excessive billing by healthcare practitioners.

The new, unique Health ID can be created by registering the individual’s demographic details and mobile phone number, or through Aadhaar biometrics, according to Indian Express.

A draft committee has been established to build digital health standards that ensure the quality and protection of health data. The committee will also consider privacy, security and interoperability factors.

The country is also planning to accredit digital health providers, starting in 2021, under the National Digital Health Mission initiative, which also includes the health cards.

Government sources told ET that the biggest challenge would be in enforcing the card’s acceptance by doctors and hospitals in remote areas, as credentials for free healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

A review of the plan by Indian Express notes the initiative is also expected to reduce preventable errors in medical treatment, and that it makes allowances for people to receive medical care without possessing the new card.

In addition to healthcare providers like doctors and hospitals, the card will be used for interactions with laboratories, insurance companies, online pharmacies, and telemedicine providers.

An Indian government committee recommended providing access to health care records in the country with biometrics last year.

Article Topics

biometric identification  |  biometrics  |  Cyprus  |  face photo  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  identity document  |  India  |  Morocco