The Union Health Minister announced that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers will receive enhanced remuneration.

• The announcement was made in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour.
• Opposition parties protested in Parliament, demanding an increase in ASHA workers’ honorarium to ₹21,000 and retirement benefits of ₹5 lakh.

About ASHA Workers

• ASHAs are female volunteers from local communities trained to promote health awareness and improve access to healthcare services.
• Their primary role was to act as a bridge between the community and the healthcare system.
• Origin : ASHA workers were introduced as part of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005.
  • The scheme was later extended to urban areas under the National Urban Health Mission in 2013.
• Implementation: The ASHA scheme is currently operational in all States and Union Territories except Goa.
• Training and Collaboration: ASHA workers receive training from Anganwadi Workers (ANWs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) to perform their duties effectively.
• State Mandates: States are required to employ at least one ASHA worker per 1,000 people.
  • In tribal, hilly, and desert regions, the ratio may be adjusted based on workload, with one ASHA worker per habitation.

Role of ASHAs in Developing India

• Improving Maternal and Child Health: ASHA workers promote institutional deliveries and antenatal care, leading to reduced maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • They assist in early detection of pregnancy using pregnancy test kits.
  • They provide information on nutrition and immunization to mothers and families.
• Enhancing Immunization Rates: ASHA workers receive performance-based incentives for promoting immunization and reproductive and child health services.
  • They also encourage the construction of household toilets as part of public health initiatives.
• Disease Surveillance: ASHA workers play a key role in reporting disease outbreaks and promoting early diagnosis.
  • They assist in programs like the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP).
• Advocating Female Health and Hygiene: ASHA workers promote awareness of female health and hygiene standards.
  • They earn additional income through the social marketing of healthcare products such as condoms, contraceptive pills, and sanitary napkins.

About Honorarium Payment for ASHA Workers

• Current salary: ASHAs receive a fixed monthly incentive of Rs. 2000 per month for routine and recurring activities.
  • Additionally, they are provided performance-based incentives for a varied set of activities under various National Health Programmes.
• Centre-State Funding Pattern: The National Health Mission (NHM) follows a funding pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and States, except for 8 North Eastern States and 3 Himalayan States (90:10), while Union Territories without a legislature receive 100% central funding.
• State’s Role in Salary Decisions: While the NHM provides financial and technical support, State/UT governments have full authority over administrative and personnel matters, including ASHA workers’ salaries and incentives.
• Flexibility in Salary Structure: States can modify honorarium structures within NHM guidelines, ensuring ASHAs meet the minimum selection criteria and widely disseminating any changes in local languages.