Delhi (PIB): The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, emphasized the pivotal role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in strengthening the public healthcare system during a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. He highlighted the collaborative responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the State/UT Governments in supporting ASHA workers through technical and financial assistance.
ASHAs currently receive a fixed monthly incentive of Rs2,000 for routine activities, along with performance-based incentives for various tasks under National Health Programmes. In September 2022, the Government approved additional incentives, further bolstered by contributions from States/UTs. Under the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative, ASHAs are also eligible for Team-Based Incentives (TBIs) of up to Rs1,000 per month.
Non-monetary benefits provided to ASHAs include uniforms, identity cards, bicycles, mobile phones, drug kits, diaries, and access to restrooms. To honor their decade-long service, retiring ASHAs receive a Rs20,000 cash award and a citation.
Shri Jadhav also highlighted the introduction of the ASHA benefit package in 2018, which includes:
– Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana (PMJJBY): Rs 2 lakh for death coverage.
– Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana (PMSBY): Rs2 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability and Rs1 lakh for partial disability.
– Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan (PM-SYM): A monthly pension of Rs3,000 post-retirement at 60 years, with 50% premium contributed by the Government.
Additionally, the Interim Budget for FY 2024-25 extends annual health coverage of Rs5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to all ASHA workers.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and recognition of ASHAs as integral pillars of India’s public healthcare system.
