ASHA demands recognition as government employee
SILCHAR, August 25: Though ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activist) have been working since 2005 as village level basic health worker under National Rural Health Mission, they are yet to get any recognition and their future hangs in balance. It is on this health activists that the success of rural health programme depends entirely. They have to work hard against many odds day and night and even sacrifice their family life to make the NRHM a success. If any achievement has come in the successful implementation of NRHM, it is due to the ASHA workers. Despite all their dedication and commitment, their services are yet to be rewarded. They continue to get their remuneration on case to case basis which is quite inadequate considering the present market condition and high prices of all commodities, essential and non essential. It is certainly telling on the morale of health workers and in many areas affecting the NRHM services.
It has been pointed out recognition of ASHA workers as government employee will instill in them sense of confidence and security and encourage them to work with more zeal and enthusiasm. It is really paradoxical that all other workers under NRHM are receiving their salaries regularly and adequately. This is an instance of gross discrimination towards health workers. It is to be noted that the State of West Bengal has recognized ASHA as government employees who have been more encouraged and inspired. If West Bengal can do, why not Assam Government?
Alarzan Begum Mazumder, president, and Lutfa Khanam Barbhuiya, secretary, All Assam ASHA Sangstha, Barak branch, in a representation to the Minister of Health and Family Planning, Government of India, have demanded fulfillment of their 6 point charter of demands which include recognition of ASHA as government employee, issue of BPL card and a IAY house, extension of medical and education facility to each of the family members, provision of waiting room at all primary health centres, deletion of names of group members from joint account and to give relief from excess work and harassment by TB and malaria department. In order to reach out their voice to the authorities concerned at Delhi and Dispur, ASHA workers held protest demonstration in front of the offices of the Deputy Commissioners of Cachar and Karimganj recently to whom the memorandum addressed to the Union Health Minister was submitted.
Source: The Sentinel 26.08.2013
