Union Minister Felicitates Health Workers for Grassroots Contributions

Union Minister Anupriya Patel honored 75 ASHAs and ANMs for their vital role in India's healthcare. The dedication of these frontline workers has significantly improved maternal, child, and adolescent health metrics, including reducing the maternal mortality ratio by 82% since 1990. Major provisions have been introduced for their welfare.

Union Minister Anupriya Patel on Wednesday recognized the efforts of 75 ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) in enhancing various health initiatives. These dedicated health workers have been invited as special guests to the 78th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort, according to a health ministry statement.

Patel emphasized that the more than 10.29 lakh ASHAs and 89,000 ANMs play a crucial role in community health, mobilizing communities, facilitating health services, and promoting health awareness at the grassroots level. Their efforts have made healthcare accessible to remote and vulnerable populations.

Highlighting their contributions, Patel noted a significant improvement in maternal, child, and adolescent health, with the maternal mortality ratio declining by 82% since 1990. She also acknowledged the increase in vaccination coverage, which has decreased the infant mortality rate from 37 per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020. India was declared polio-free in March 2014, and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) was eliminated in July 2016 due to their tireless work.

Patel announced significant provisions for ASHAs and ANMs in the interim budget for February 2024. ASHAs are now eligible for health care annual coverage of Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Additionally, more than 6 lakh ASHAs are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan schemes.

(With inputs from agencies.)