Syllabus: GS-I
Subject: Society and Social Justice
Topic: Social sector – Health
Issue: ASHA volunteers
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist):
- a community health worker program launched by the Government of India in 2005.
- ASHA is a trained female community health activist who is selected from the village itself and is accountable to it.
- Works as an interface between the community and the public health system.
- Responsibilities of ASHA workers:
- Provide basic health services, such as immunisation, antenatal care, postnatal care, and family planning counselling.
- Promote healthy behaviours, such as handwashing, using sanitary latrines, and eating a balanced diet.
- Mobilise the community to participate in health programs, such as immunisation campaigns and nutrition programs.
- Collect data on health indicators in their villages.
- Challenges for ASHA women:
- Triple burden – housework, childcare, and looking after all homes and families for the health system .
- Very poor Remuneration: Low pay and lack of benefits for ASHA women as they are not designated as health care workers.
- Lack of training and support.
- Limited access to transportation and communication facilities – work during peak humidity and heat.
In the 2024-25 Interim Budget, the Central government announced its decision to provide free health insurance cover for all ASHAs and Anganwadi workers and helpers under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
