WHO reckons Asha workers as global health leader but do governments in India also believe so?
In rural parts of India where more than 70% population resides, it is a 10-lakh strong army of ASHA workers, which ensures the last mile delivery of healthcare services - in whatever limited form they exist. Yet, these workers have yet not got the status of 'workers'' from any of the governments and are recognised merely as 'activists'' as the name suggests - Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA). Since they don’t have status as workers, they are devoid of basic rights of workers such as fixed salaries and social benefits. India is recognised for reducing its maternal and infant deaths and in this achievement ASHA workers played a big role. In many other routine health services such as routine immunisation of children, pulse polio drive, ensuring institutional delivery of pregnant women etc, they have contributed a lot. And, most recently their work in Covid-19 management in rural areas has been appreciated.
Their many contributions were recently recognised by the World Health Organisation which recognised them as a ‘Global Health Leader’. But this global recognition has brought zero change in the lives of ASHA workers. They are back to work, and to agitations. From September 16-18, ASHA workers from 20 states and union territories congregated for a national convention in Haryana’s Kurukshetra. The Wire spoke to some of them to understand what their issues are and what challenges they face not just On the field but also when they speak up.
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Негізгі бет WHO Reckons ASHA Workers as 'Global Health Leader' But Do Govts in India Also Believe So?
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