In this article, we will discuss ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists). So, let’s get started.
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists)
- ASHA is a social health activist in the age group of 25-45 years who serves as the first point of contact to cater any health-related requirements of deprived sections of the rural population including women and children, who pose a difficulty in accessing the health services.
- An ASHA worker comes from the same village where she works. It ensures a sense of familiarity, better community connection and acceptance.
- Generally, there is “1 ASHA per 1000 population”. However, this norm can be relaxed in tribal, hilly and desert areas to “1 ASHA per habitation” depending upon the workload.
- The purpose of having ‘activist’ in ‘ASHA’ is to reflect that they are the community’s representative in the health system, and not the lowest-rung government functionary in the community (as was the perception with the erstwhile Community Health Volunteer).
