LOK SABHA

            State-wise status of ASHA can be seen at Annexure.  Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) is a health activist in the community to create awareness on health, its social determinants and mobilize the community towards local health planning, increased utilization and accountability of the existing health services.   Her roles and responsibilities are (i) to create awareness ii) to counsel iii) to mobilize the community and facilitate them in accessing health and health related services iv) to work with the Village Health & Sanitation Committee of the Gram Panchayat. v) Escort and company pregnant women and children requiring treatment vi) Provide primary medical care for minor illness vii) To act as a depot holder for essential provisions viii) To inform about births and deaths and ix) to promote construction of household toilets under total sanitation campaign.

ASHA is an honorary volunteer and would not be paid any salary or honorarium.  However, ASHA is being compensated for her time in the following situation:

• For duration of training in terms of TA and DA
• For participating in monthly/bi-monthly meetings for undertaking specific health or other social sector programmes with measurable out puts.  (Disbursement of compensation to ASHA will be made as per specific payment mechanism built into individual programmes)
• The average remuneration depends on the total performance based payments that the ASHA is entitled to as per the work done by her.  It can vary from village to village and ASHA to ASHA.

The present strength of ASHA across the country pertaining to Bihar is sufficient.  About 90% of ASHA has been selected till now.  Against the total target of ASHA which is 74384; 66701 has been selected the process for rest is in progress.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Panabaaka Lakshmi in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

KR/SK/285 – LS

ANNEXURE