New Delhi, Sept. 15 -- In a move aimed at strengthening Delhi's primary healthcare network and improving the financial security of frontline health workers, the Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday approved doubling the fixed monthly incentive for ASHA workers from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000.
The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will benefit all 6,725 ASHA workers currently working in the capital. Other incentives available to them will continue as before.
Gupta said ASHA workers form an important link between communities and the public healthcare system, with their work extending from household visits and vaccination awareness to maternal and child healthcare.
"ASHA workers are an important link in Delhi's primary healthcare system. They visit households to provide health-related information, encourage families to get vaccinated and assist with services related to the care of pregnant women and new mothers," Gupta said.
She said each ASHA worker generally serves around 2,000 people or nearly 400 families, making their contribution significant at the community level. They also participate in Health and Nutrition Days, health awareness programmes, surveys and community meetings.
The chief minister highlighted the role played by ASHA workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they continued providing healthcare-related services at the grassroots level.
"The Delhi Government has been continuously discussing an increase in the remuneration of ASHA workers. It was among the government's priorities, and the decision has now been taken," Gupta said.The increase in the fixed monthly incentive will apply to all ASHA workers currently engaged in Delhi. The government said the enhanced payment was aimed at recognising their contribution while providing them greater financial support.
Gupta said the move would also help improve the morale of ASHA workers and encourage them to continue their work with greater commitment.
"This increase in the monthly incentive is an important step towards recognising ASHA workers' contribution and ensuring their financial security. It will boost their enthusiasm for their work and help them continue their services," she said.
ASHA workers are involved in several community-level health activities, including promoting immunisation, supporting pregnant women and new mothers, disseminating health information and connecting families with healthcare services.
The government said improving their working conditions and financial security would contribute to making primary healthcare delivery more effective in Delhi.Gupta said the decision was also linked to the government's broader focus on women's economic empowerment.
"Strengthening the financial security and working conditions of ASHA workers is our priority. Their contribution at the grassroots level is vital to ensuring continuity in healthcare services and making primary healthcare in Delhi more effective," the chief minister said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.