Lucknow, Dec 31, 2021: Hailing the tireless efforts of the ASHA Workers, who worked at the grassroots level to save the state amid the Covid-19 peak, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that at the time when the entire world was gripped with challenges posed by the pandemic, the ASHA workers remained on the ‘frontline’ to save the state.
“ASHA sisters gave their services diligently during Covid-19 peak and because of their efforts, the most populous state contained the spread efficiently, which gained appreciation even globally. ASHA workers are the backbone of the rural healthcare system and their contribution is unparalleled,” said the Chief Minister while inaugurating ‘Aashaon ka sammelan’ and 80,000 smartphones distribution campaign in the state capital on Friday.
Distribution of 80,000 smartphones:
The Chief Minister went on to say that with the combined efforts of the state and central government, smartphones are being distributed to 80,000 ASHA sisters here…the remaining 80,000 will be provided smartphones in the second phase…this will help in reducing their burden of getting involved in unnecessary paperwork and will save their time and energy.
On the occasion, Yogi Adityanath also announced a significant hike in monthly honorarium and incentives of the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers. Along with an additional honorarium of Rs 500 per month to ASHAs from a period from Jan 1,2020 to March 31,2022 for their contribution in fighting against Covid-19, the state government will also double their usual pay, i.e. from Rs 750 to Rs 1500 per month. With Rs 1500 per month from the central government, the ASHA workers will receive a total of nearly Rs 6000 monthly taking into account all allowances. Besides, the Contractual ANMs, who played a crucial role in vaccination and worked more than 60 days will receive a single-time Rs 10,000 honorarium.
Govt worked in a phased manner to develop and expand presence of medical resources in state:
The Chief Minister further said that by improving the health infrastructure, the government has paved the way for the development of the state, as no place can develop fully in absence of medical resources. Every district is on its way to having a medical college to provide accessible healthcare services to the citizens in the state.
“To provide proper medical treatment and healthcare facilities to every needy in the state, the government worked in a planned and phased manner to improve the existing healthcare system and expand the health infrastructure in the state as a result of which Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the top performer in terms of incremental health performance,” the CM said.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh which was considered deficient in terms of presence of health and medical resources is now marching towards being self-sufficient. Over 551 oxygen plants have become operational throughout the state, making it ‘self-reliant’ in oxygen generation. In addition, earlier ICU beds were only present in just 26 districts, however, today the facilities are available in all the 75 districts of the state, medical colleges have come up in nearly 60 districts.
CM Yogi hails contribution of ASHA’s in fight against Covid-19, doubles their monthly honorarium:
Yogi added that as a result of teamwork and sustained efforts, the state has emerged successful in fighting against diseases like Japanese encephalitis and Covid-19 and has been recognised at the global stage for its extraordinary covid-19 management.
Reiterating the need for vaccination to fight against Covid-19, the Chief Minister urged the people to complete their vaccination to protect themselves against the disease.
“There is no need to worry about COVID-19, we just have to take precautions. The positivity rate in the state is below 0.05 percent. Till now we’ve administered over 20 crore vaccine doses which is highest in the country. Full Vaccination and adherence to Covid-19 appropriate behavior will help us fight the pandemic,” said Yogi.
Medical Health and Family Welfare Minister Jai Pratap Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, health and family welfare, Amit Mohan Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Navneet Sehgal and other senior officials remained present on the occasion.
