Surguja: Accredited Social Health Activist or Asha workers who have been serving the nation selflessly even during the pandemic times across the country are now fighting for increased wages for their work.
These workers known as Mitanin in Chhattisgarh travel to the nook and corner of the country in order to conduct contact tracing, help pregnant women, make people aware of the vaccines for babies and other health-related services come rain or shine. However, they are paid dismal minimum wages.
The government gives them money, according to their work. The honorarium given to them is given from the joint budget of the central and state government. Mitanins are demanding a salary fixation and a merger in the Health Department so that they can raise their family properly with the increased money.
Asha workers angry with the government
When ETV Bharat talked to these Asha workers, they were angry with the government. They are demanding a merger in the health department and salary fixation as their work is very difficult and is of responsibility.
These Asha workers are used to spread the word of almost all schemes of governance but for many works, they are not paid.
During the pandemic when these workers were out for the work of contact tracing work, they were not even provided mask and sanitizers. They had to buy the protective gear themselves. Even though there were some officials who helped these social workers, but the government did not step forward.
What do ASHA workers do?
- Identifying a serious patient in the locality and village and then advising him/her to go to the appropriate hospital. If needed, take them to hospital
- Detection of pregnant women and motivating them to go for regular check-ups until delivery
- Spreading awareness about vaccinations and teaching its importance for a newborn after delivery
Reaching hospitals at own expense
Also read: ASHA worker using paintings to educate villagers earns global acclaim
According to the health department, Mitanins are only there to make people aware of which they are paid. However, more often than not, these workers have to bring the patients to the hospital for which they spend their own money. Hence, most of the income is again spent on the job.
World Health Organization (WHO) also appreciated
The world health organisation also took a note of the immense hard work of these Asha workers and retweeted a viral video showing one Asha worker of Chhattisgarh climbing hill to reach a remote place and making the people there aware of medicines and government schemes.
State Health Minister TS Singhdev also appreciates these Asha workers and often spends time with them in Surguja and honours them. However, even though the Central Government has started work with Asha workers, but has appointed none to coordinate between them.
