BHOPAL: Various organisations of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers have decided to strike work from June 1. This step of health workers will likely impact the ongoing Covid-19 awareness programmes, as well.
At present, Covid awareness programmes, vaccination besides the identification of corona suspects is going on on a war footing. These efforts have controlled the surge in rural areas, as well, but ASHA workers going on an indefinite strike could hamper the ongoing efforts of the state government.
"Our demands are long pending before the state government. We've requested but our pleas have gone unheard. Therefore, we have to go on strike to press our genuine demands," said convener of the ASHA Workers' Association, Laxmi Kaurav.
The main demands of the Asha workers are that they should be absorbed in government service. They are also demanding that their salaries should be at par with those of the government health workers.
"We should be given social security cover, including benefits of insurance, gratuity and provident fund. We're risking our lives amid the surge in corona cases going from place to place but have no social security," said Laxmi Kaurav.
ASHA workers are also demanding safety kits. "We're conducting the surveys and campaigns sans face masks, gloves and sanitisersóleave aside PPE kits," she added. Moreover, ASHA workers should also be ensured protection in villages and other places where people have a tendency to turn violent.
There are around one lakh ASHA workers across the state, but a section of the ASHA workers have not given their consent for an indefinite strike. ASHA workers from around 28 districts have decided to join the strike, while those from the other districts are still contemplating whether they will join or not. This move by the ASHA workers will have an adverse impact on the Covid awareness programmes being carried out across the state, including follow-up of Covid suspects.
Key demands
*To be absorbed in government services and salary at par with government health workers
*Seek social security cover including benefits of insurance, gratuity and provident fund
