Hundreds of ASHA Workers from various western Odisha districts under the banner of the Paschima Odisha ASHA Karmi Sangha staged a demonstration in front of the Assembly here on Saturday protesting the State Government’s apathetic attitude towards them and demanding immediate fulfilment of their 17-point charter of demands.
The demands included making the NHM a permanent scheme, minimum monthly salary of Rs 10,000, provision of PF and health and group insurance, equal payment for equal work, setting up of ASHA Karmi houses at all Government-run hospitals and PHCs, Government status to ASHA Karmis and ASHA Sathis, inclusion of ASHAs under highly skilled worker category, special incentives and risk allowance to ASHA Workers of western Odisha, etc.
The agitators alleged that both the Central and State Governments have turned a blind eye to their grievances despite repeated demands and agitations.
“We play a crucial role in ensuring prompt medical service to the needy in remote areas. However, we are deprived of the minimum facilities. Nobody is concerned about our grievances,” said Sangha assistant coordinator laxmi Maharana.
later, they submitted memorandums to the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Health Minister and Secretary and the NHM Director.