ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are community health volunteers who act as a bridge between the community and the public health system in India . Selected from the village itself, ASHA workers are trained to improve community engagement with the health system .
Here’s a detailed look at their role:
- Improving Healthcare Access: ASHA workers improve access to healthcare services, especially in areas where formal healthcare infrastructure is weak . They are the first point of contact for health-related needs, particularly for women and children .
- Key Responsibilities:
- Creating Awareness: ASHAs spread awareness about nutrition, sanitation, and healthy living practices .
- Counseling: They counsel women on birth preparedness, safe delivery, breastfeeding, immunization, and prevention of common infections .
- Basic Healthcare: They provide first-contact care and administer basic medicines .
- Connecting Communities: ASHAs link households to health facilities . They facilitate community access to services at Anganwadi centers, sub-centers, and primary health centers .
- Health Monitoring: They conduct house-to-house surveys and monitor health issues .
- Essential Supplies: ASHAs act as depot holders for essential provisions like ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), IFA (Iron and Folic Acid) tablets, and contraceptives .
- Impact: The work of ASHA workers has led to significant improvements in maternal and child health, immunization rates, and overall community well-being . Their efforts have notably contributed to reducing neonatal and infant mortality rates .
- Challenges:
- Compensation: ASHA workers often face issues related to low and irregular payments .
- Workload: They are often overburdened with multiple responsibilities .
- Recognition: They may experience a lack of recognition and support .
- Incentives: ASHA workers are entitled to task/activity-based incentives for activities related to maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and community-level health interventions .
In summary, ASHA workers play a crucial role in India’s healthcare system by bridging the gap between rural communities and healthcare services, promoting health awareness, and providing essential primary care …
