Shillong Dec 11: With a concept designed in a manner through which all the ASHAs in the district could get together on one stipulated place and can interact with one another, share their experiences, ideas and problems, the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, Ri-Bhoi district on Tuesday observed ‘ASHA Divas’ at St. Pauls School, Ri-Bhoi district.
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is an integral part of NRHM. With the sixth year of implementation of NRHM in the state the strategies to strengthen the ASHA programme year after year has always been a continuous effort.
According to statistics, the state of Meghalaya at present has 6258 ASHAs in place and in Ri-Bhoi alone there are 537 ASHAs.
Speaking on the occasion as the chie guest, Deputy Commissioner Ri-Bhoi district, Akash Deep lauded the efforts of the ASHAs.
Terming them to be the ‘ray of hope’ of life, Deep said that they are the persons who provide guidance and services in remote areas where doctors and nurses are not present.
“With proper guidance from the government ASHA activists can excel and bring a change in the society,” Deep asserted adding “ASHAs are activists who fight against health problem.”
He also added that because of them the health scenario of the state has improved in the rural areas.
However, speaking on the occasion as the guest of honor, a social activist, Edward Thma asserted that there is a need were these ASHAs should have a platform and so that they could communicate and share their grievances.
“In order to bridge the gap between the ASHAs and the health deaprtment, there should total transparency and communication,” Thma said.
Also in order to motivate and enable the ASHA to better their performance every trained ASHA in the State have been provided with Drug Kit, Uniform, Bag, Diary and raincoats. Also the Village Health and sanitation committee where the ASHA is a member have also been provided with a Village Health Registrar.(SP News)
