A large number of ASHA workers under the banner of the Paschima Odisha Asha Karmi Sangha on Friday took to the street demanding immediate fulfilment of their 15-point charter of demands. The demands included regularisation of jobs, monthly salary of Rs10,000, daily incentive of Rs250, provision of health insurance and setting up of ASHA Karmi houses at all Government-run hospitals.
“We have been working at the grassroots level in a very risky atmosphere. There is no timing in our job. Whenever we receive calls, we have to attend the patients. Even, we have to take patients to hospitals late at night putting our lives at risk,” said Sangha president Mukta Pradhan. She further stated that though they are playing a pivotal role in ensuring prompt medical service to the needy in remote areas, they have been deprived of the minimum facilities.
“So far as our work atmosphere is concerned, our demands are genuine. We hope the Government will consider our demands soon,” said Pradhan. They also submitted memorandums to the Prime Minister, the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Union and State Health Minister and the State Health Secretary to this effect.