The Health Department today reiterated its concern regarding the ASHA workers’ period of ‘rest from work’ as they seek higher remuneration.
In a statement that was a repetition of the one it had sent six days ago, the department said that in the past few years it has taken up the concerns and issues raised by ASHA workers with utmost sincerity and dedication.
“It is important to reiterate that ASHAs are integral to the delivery of essential healthcare services. Any disruption in their services can have severe consequences for the health and well-being of the community,” the department said while referring to an incident in 2022 when agitation led to the death of a mother in Ri-Bhoi.
“The government remains firmly dedicated to the well-being of its frontline healthcare workers and anticipates a pragmatic approach from all of them, acknowledging that meaningful systemic reforms require time and thoughtful deliberation for achieving a shared vision of a healthy community and the state at large,” it said.
It also informed that an amount of Rs 21.89 crore has been released through the application in the last twelve months and a total of Rs 34.50 crore has been released in the last 18 months.
ASHA workers have cast doubt on some of the figures provided in the statement, saying that it is only with difficulty that they can earn Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 per month through government incentives.
Meanwhile, the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in West Khasi Hills today held a peace rally in Nongstoiñ to seek honorarium enhancement.
