Kaushik Rai announces waiting rooms in hospitals and scooters for grassroots health workers

way2barak, March 5: The ASHA Convention of Cachar district concluded successfully on Thursday with a vibrant day-long programme at Assam Palace on Hailakandi Road in Silchar, bringing together nearly two thousand ASHA workers and supervisors from eight rural health blocks and the Silchar urban area.

The convention began at 10 am with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Barak Valley Development Minister Kaushik Rai, Member of Parliament Parimal Suklabaidya, Additional District Commissioner Nabajyoti Kutum, Additional District Health Officer Dr M I Barbhuiya, and other dignitaries.

In a solemn moment during the programme, the guests paid floral tributes to 18 ASHA workers and supervisors from the district who passed away over the past year.

Joint Director of Health Services Dr (Mrs) Kaban Teronpi joined the programme later after attending another official meeting at the District Commissioner’s office.

The convention opened with a welcome address by Additional District Health Officer Dr M I Barbhuiya, followed by a presentation on the relevance and achievements of the ASHA programme by District NHM Programme Manager Rahul Ghosh. Joint Director Dr (Mrs) Kaban Teronpi also addressed the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Parimal Suklabaidya highlighted the pivotal role of ASHA workers in strengthening grassroots healthcare. He stated that the success of public health campaigns, particularly the reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates, owes much to the tireless efforts of ASHA workers who serve communities with dedication and a spirit of service.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Kaushik Rai said that ASHA workers have played a transformative role not only in Cachar but across India in reshaping the public health system. Recalling the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said their relentless work at the grassroots level made it possible to successfully carry out the nationwide double-dose vaccination drive.

He also acknowledged the challenges faced by ASHA workers who bring pregnant mothers to hospitals but often struggle to find proper accommodation during overnight stays. To address this issue, the minister announced that dedicated waiting rooms with necessary facilities would be constructed for ASHA workers in hospitals across the district.

In another significant announcement, Minister Kaushik Rai said the Assam Government has decided to provide scooters under the initiative titled “ASHA Express”, enabling ASHA workers to travel more conveniently while carrying out their door-to-door health visits.

During the programme, twelve ASHA workers who have crossed the age of sixty were presented with retirement grants of Rs 2 lakh each. Families of eighteen ASHA workers who passed away in the past year received financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each under the “ASHA Kiran” scheme.

Outstanding performers were also recognised at the convention. A total of 27 ASHA workers three from each health block were honoured with mementos and certificates for their exemplary service. Three representatives formally received the awards during the programme, while the remaining honourees will be felicitated at their respective health blocks.

Officials also informed that 126 ASHA workers who had applied for medical assistance over the past year would receive financial aid averaging at least Rs 25,000 each, to be distributed at the block level.

Adding cultural colour to the event, ASHA workers from various health blocks presented dramas, traditional Dhamail performances and songs, reflecting the spirit of community participation. Guest artiste Tandra Roy also enthralled the audience with musical performances.

Among others present at the convention were Dr Rohan Biswas, Dr A P Gwala, Dr Dibyajyoti Nath, Dr Indranil Sinha of Assam Cancer Care Foundation, Cachar Zilla Parishad President Kankan Narayan Shikidar, Dr Juri Sharma, and Dr Dipankar Chakraborty.

The programme was anchored by Sanjib Das, Health Educator of Narsingpur Mini PHC, who guided the day’s proceedings with warmth and clarity.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.