- CM Naveen Patnaik has announced a substantial increase in the monthly remuneration of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs).
- The raise, from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000, reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contribution of ASHA workers towards maternal and child healthcare.
- The state government has amplified the service termination incentive from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, providing further financial security to these frontline workers.
- With this enhancement, the state government will incur an additional expenditure of Rs 148.57 crore annually.
- ASHA workers play a pivotal role in delivering essential healthcare services to communities, particularly in rural areas.
- It builds upon recent initiatives, including salary hikes for Anganwadi workers, art instructors, sports teachers, and Urdu teachers, underscoring the government’s holistic approach towards uplifting various sectors.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the state, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced a substantial increase in the monthly remuneration of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). The raise, from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000, reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contribution of ASHA workers towards maternal and child healthcare.
Moreover, the state government has amplified the service termination incentive from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, providing further financial security to these frontline workers. This decision, benefiting 49,522 ASHAs across the state, is poised to significantly improve their socio-economic well-being.
The government’s proactive approach towards addressing the needs of ASHA workers follows extensive consultations with the workers and their associations. During district visits of the 5T initiative and under the leadership of Naveen Odisha Chairman VK Pandian, ASHA workers presented their requests and proposals for an increase in remuneration, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their tireless efforts in promoting healthcare awareness.
With this enhancement, the state government will incur an additional expenditure of Rs 148.57 crore annually, significantly augmenting the total expenditure on ASHA workers’ remuneration to Rs 208 crore annually. Furthermore, the government will allocate Rs 55 lakh towards service interruption assistance, ensuring uninterrupted support for healthcare initiatives.
ASHA workers play a pivotal role in delivering essential healthcare services to communities, particularly in rural areas. They undertake crucial responsibilities such as educating and supporting pregnant women, raising awareness about government healthcare schemes, and facilitating vaccination and institutional deliveries. Their unwavering dedication and grassroots-level engagement have been instrumental in improving healthcare outcomes and reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
This decision to increase ASHA workers’ compensation aligns with the government’s broader efforts to bolster healthcare infrastructure and promote well-being across the state. It builds upon recent initiatives, including salary hikes for Anganwadi workers, art instructors, sports teachers, and Urdu teachers, underscoring the government’s holistic approach towards uplifting various sectors.
By investing in the welfare of frontline healthcare workers, the Odisha government not only acknowledges their indispensable role in the healthcare ecosystem but also ensures equitable access to quality healthcare services for all citizens. The decision to enhance ASHA workers’ compensation is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing public health and well-being, laying the foundation for a healthier and more resilient society.
(With inputs from agencies)
