Pregnant ASHA Worker In Odisha Wins Accolades For Putting Duty First

Jajpur: The commitment of a pregnant ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) worker to provide healthcare service in the rural areas of Jajpur district to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has received acclaim from all quarters across Odisha.

Mamata Sahu, a 29, of Fatehpur village in Binjharpur block was appointed as ASHA worker for Malia panchayat in August last year.

Despite being eight months pregnant, she visits each village in the panchayat to advise people on safety measures and the procedures to keep their kin in home quarantine with strict adherence to the social distancing norms.

“My family, neighbours, friends, relatives and colleagues advise me to take rest on account of my health condition. But with the present crisis, it is not possible for me to take rest. When my department is taking all possible measures to contain the spread of the virus, staying on leave on health ground will be a gross dereliction of my duty. I have decided to discharge my duty and responsibility at this critical juncture,” Mamata said.

Praising his daughter-in-law, Sambhunath Sahu said his family and the people of the panchayat are proud of her noble work.