Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Define ASHA workers and their inception under the National Rural Health Mission (2005).
• Mention their expansion under the National Urban Health Mission (2013).

2. Role in Advancing Healthcare

• Healthcare Access: Reach underserved rural populations and marginalized communities.
• Improved Maternal and Child Health: Promotion of antenatal care, immunization, and institutional deliveries.
• Disease Control: Contribution to TB treatment, diabetes care, and eradication of polio.
• Community Engagement: Act as a link between community and healthcare services.

3. Challenges Encountered

• High Workload: Assigned multiple responsibilities beyond voluntary expectations.
• Inadequate Compensation: Lack of fixed salaries and delayed incentives.
• Cultural Barriers: Limited authority in village-level decision-making.
• Logistical Issues: Poor transportation and shortage of medicines hinder efficiency.
• Lack of Support: Insufficient training and demotivating attitudes from healthcare staff.

4. Measures to Address Challenges

• Enhanced Compensation: Ensure fixed salaries and timely performance-based incentives.
• Capacity Building: Regular training and career progression to roles like ANM or health officer.
• Policy Reforms: Recognize ASHAs as permanent healthcare employees.
• Social Security: Provide health insurance and access to welfare schemes.
• Community Sensitization: Create awareness about ASHAs’ contributions to garner public support.

5. Conclusion

• Acknowledge ASHAs as the backbone of India’s public health system.
• Emphasize the need for improved working conditions to sustain their impact on healthcare delivery.

Relevant Facts with Sources

1. Significance: ASHAs have improved institutional delivery rates and immunization coverage significantly (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Reports).
2. Challenges: 50% of ASHAs face delayed payments, as noted in a survey by the National Health Mission.
3. Opportunities: ASHAs were pivotal in making India polio-free (WHO Reports).

These details provide a structured and factual framework for crafting a comprehensive answer.