ASHA workers seek safeguard of jobs

SHILLONG, June 21: ASHA workers, under the banner of Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union, have sought government intervention in framing rules to prevent removal of ASHA workers without any unreasonable or invalid reason.
A delegation of ASHA workers on Wednesday called on Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh to apprise her of the issue, among other grievances.
Speaking to reporters here after the meeting, Union adviser, Sony Kharjana, said that the health minister has been asked to enhance the honorarium of Rs 2,000 per month and to provide free medical benefits or treatments for ASHA workers either from the MHIS or any other schemes.
On the removal of ASHA workers without any valid reasons, Kharjana said there had been times when the services of ASHA workers were terminated on grounds of personal reasons with village headman.
“No assurance was given by the minister. However, the minister has fixed another meeting on July 10 to discuss further on these grievances faced by the ASHAs,” Kharjana added.