New Delhi, Oct. 6 -- In a push to strengthen primary healthcare and early detection of health disorders, the Delhi government on Tuesday announced a doubling of the monthly incentive for 6,690 ASHA workers and expanded newborn screening under Mission ANMOL to cover 63 congenital diseases, as Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched multiple health initiatives at Thyagraj Stadium.

The initiatives were launched during the 'ASHA Sammelan-2026 and ASHA Samman Samaroh', organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The event also saw the launch of the Nursing Home Management System portal and the virtual inauguration of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) building at GB Pant Hospital.

Under the revised incentive, ASHA workers will now receive Rs 6,000 per month instead of Rs 3,000. The government said the move recognises the contribution of workers who take healthcare services and welfare schemes to households.

Sandhu said the initiatives would strengthen Delhi's healthcare delivery through technology and public health systems. "Modern technology, effective public health systems and a humane approach will further strengthen Delhi's healthcare system," he said. He also highlighted the role of ASHA workers in reaching pregnant women, children and families and said the increase in their incentive recognised their contribution.

Mission ANMOL has been expanded to screen newborns for 63 congenital, genetic and metabolic disorders within 24 to 72 hours of birth. The government aims to increase annual screening coverage from around 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh newborns. More than 75,000 newborns have already been screened and over 700 children have received timely treatment, according to the government. The SOTTO building at GB Pant Hospital will strengthen coordination and institutional mechanisms for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Delhi. Gupta also appealed to residents to spread awareness about organ and body donation.

"Organ donation is not merely a medical procedure but a symbol of humanity, compassion and respect for life," Gupta said, adding that she had registered for body donation through the SOTTO portal. The Nursing Home Management System portal will bring registration and renewal of private nursing homes online, reducing paperwork and repeated visits to government offices while improving monitoring and record management.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.