ASHAs rue government’s apathy

Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of accredited social health activists (ASHAs) staged a demonstration before National Health Mission (NHM) office at Nayapalli here on Thursday. They were protesting against the state government’s apathy to their grievances.

The protest was held under the banner of Odisha ASHA Karmi Association.

“ASHA workers play a pivotal role in ensuring medical services to people in remote areas. But no one is concerned about our genuine demands despite repeated requests and agitations. We are demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 15,000, provision of provident fund, setting up of ASHA Karmi houses in government-run hospitals, pension and insurance facility,” said president of the association Radha Raman Sarangi.

Later, the association members, including vice president Lobhakanta Swain and secretary Rebati Parida, met NHM additional director and state ASHA coordinator and apprised them of their issues. They withdrew the strike following an assurance by the officials that they would look into their demands.