Question : TRAINING OF ASHA WORKERS

(a) the average number of days allotted for training of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)-workers during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government conducts periodical review of ASHA-training needs and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received any proposal from the National Advisory Council for providing a fixed honorarium to ASHA workers in addition to performance linked payments;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon;

(e) whether the Government has any proposal to increase the honorarium provide additional financial support and regularise the services of ASHAs in the country; and

(f) if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a): Currently, every ASHA is expected to undergo eight day induction training, followed by twenty days of skill based training in key competencies related to maternal, newborn and child health All these trainings are expected to be completed in 18 months of joining. Thereafter every ASHA is expected to undergo upto 15 days of refresher training or training in newer areas.

Public Health being a state subject, data regarding the number of days allotted for training of ASHAs is not maintained at the national level. However, the annual training status of ASHAs for the past three years is at Annexure.

(b): Public Health being a state subject, conducting periodical review of ASHA-training needs is a subject matter of the State/UT Governments. However, reviewing the status of ASHA trainings is part of the ASHA evaluations. The evaluations conducted in sixteen States indicate that improved effectiveness and functionality of the ASHA is related to the duration and skill based training.

(c) & (d): Yes. National Advisory Council had recommended that Government of India should design the remuneration system for ASHAs such that it assures them a fixed amount every month over and above which their payments will be linked to performance. The Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission in its meeting on December 2013 approved proposals for revision of rates of existing incentives and new incentives including those for routine and recurring activities which coupled with other existing routine activities will enable each ASHA to earn at least Rs.1000 per month subject to her carrying out the activities.

(e) & (f): There is no such proposal at the moment. However, the increasing incentives for various activities and adding new activities for implementation by ASHAs is a regular activity as States/UT Government can make such proposals in their Programme Implementation Plans under the National Health Mission.