Upset over the distribution of ‘Asha Condom’ packets from the Government health centres, the agitated ASHA workers burned the effigy of State Health Minister Surendra Singh Negi here on Friday.
A large number of Asha workers assembled at the CITU office and marched towards the lansdowne Chowk where they vented their ire by consigning the minister’s effigy to flames. The workers are peeved over the health department’s move to distribute condoms packets named ‘Asha Condoms’ under national population stabilization fortnight which kick-started on July 11.
Speaking on the occasion, CITU general secretary lekh Raj said the issue is disgracing not all women. He said the officers should have inspected the product before sending for distribution. A furious state president of the Union of Uttarakhand ASHA Workers, Shiva Dubey warned the health department to immediately stop the distribution. She said the episode reeks of utter disrespect for the hardworking and honest Asha workers.
One of an Asha workers said, “We are working in the villages and the slums on meager remuneration.
Thousands of Asha condom packets have arrived in the health centres across the state and they are causing embarrassment to us. We want immediate recall of these packets and an unconditional apology from the health minister.’’ The health department maintained a stoic silence over the issue. The Director General (DG) of State Health Service, Dr Kusum Nariyal merely said that the condom packets were sent by Centre for distribution under family planning programe.