Question : RECRUITMENT OF ASHA

(a) whether as per established norms there should be a ASHA worker for 1000 population and a ANMs for 5000 population in plain areas and 3000 for rural areas;

(b) if so, whether there is shortrage of 74,000 ASHA workers and 21,066 ANMs to meet the requirement;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether due to this shortage women`s and children`s health is being affected in the country;

(e) if so, whether the study of worlds mothers 2010 Report has put India at 73 position out of total 77 countries; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and steps taken or being taken by Government to meet the requirement of ASHA workers and ANMs workers in the country to improve its save children report?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) to (d) As per the norms there should one sub-center for a population of 5000 in case of plain areas and a population of 3000 in hilly/tribal/desert areas. In case of ASHA, the norm is one ASHA per 1,000 population.

As per the information provided by the States/UTs 8.17 lakh ASHAs have been selected across the country. The selection of ASHA is done by the State/UT Governments.

As per “Rural Health Statistics in Indian 2009”, there is a shortfall of 12414 ANMs at Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres. Shortage of ANMs, Nurses and Doctors presents itself as a challenge for delivering quality health care services.

(e) to (f): Yes Madam. Detailed guidelines have been issued to the States for selection and training of ASHA. The States have been given the flexibility to relax the population norms as well as the educational qualifications on a case to case basis, depending on the local conditions as far as her engagement is concerned.

Augmentation of human resources is a thrust area under NRHM. 46,660 ANMs have been added by the States/UTs from 2005 to 2010 under NRHM.