ASHA facilitators to be appointed soon in state : Dr. Rajiv Saizal

Shimla : Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal said that ASHA workers have been rendering valuable services to the state government and society during the challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic and the state government was resolute to provide them all best facilities. He was presiding over a meeting of the ASHA workers held here today to discuss and redress their various demands.The Minister said that around 7500 ASHA workers of the state were playing significant role in creating awareness amongst masses up to grass-root level about the health awareness besides publicizing various health schemes and programmes of the government. The state government had always been sensitive to ensuring their welfare and various issues pertaining to them would be taken up with the government of India in future as well.He said that the centre government has given in-principle approval for appointment of ASHA facilitators for which required modalities were being finalized. This decision would go a long way in meeting their demand of timely release of monthly incentive as well.

Dr. Saizal said that notification had been issued to pay Covid incentive of Rs. 1500 to the ASHA workers as per the announcement of the Chief Minister. He said the government would also sympathetically consider travelling allowance facility to them and the matter would also be raised with the union government for enhancement in their incentive. Besides, the matter would also be taken up with the centre to explore the possibility of covering them under the ambit of EPF, however they had always been covered under the Mukhyamantri Himcare scheme of the state government. He added that it was due to the efforts of the state government that their uniform allowance was increased from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1100 last year as a special case for this hill state.Secretary Health Amitabh Awasthi also lauded the services of the ASHA workers in the state and assured them their demands and concerns would be considered by the state government in near future as well.Managing Director, National Health Mission, HP Hemraj Bairwa conducted the proceedings of the meeting.President of the ASHA workers union Anita Kumari and General Secretary Asha Lata thanked the state government for initiating various steps for their welfare during the last four years.State President of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh Madan Rana, Executive President Dhabe Ram, General Secretary Yashpal Heta, former President Surender Thakur and office bearers and members of the ASHA worker’s union were present in the meeting.