Launched in 2005, it now has close to 1 million workers and is the backbone of India's public health infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Several studies have shown that ASHAs have played a crucial role in improving maternal and child health, increasing immunisation rates, and raising awareness about family planning.
But their reach still needs to include the most under-served sections of the community. We believe this requires interventions that can psychologically empower ASHAs to effectively operate as change agents.
ASHAs' role is an 'activist'—going beyond basic healthcare delivery and promoting health awareness, mobilising local community participation in public health planning, and increasing the use of existing services. Bringing about this behaviour change requires significant persuasion, perseverance, and a proactive approach.
However, despite the high expectations, policymakers and formal health staff often attribute a low capacity for independent action to ASHAs, frequently marginalised both socially and economically. This perception manifests in punitive systems and design features that emphasise record-keeping, daily monitoring and performance evaluation focused on compliance rather than outcomes. This system of constant monitoring leads to a 'check-box' approach, creating a vicious cycle where they are further pushed into behaviours that undermine their projected capacity for independent action.
Denne historien er fra December 12, 2024-utgaven av The New Indian Express Tirupati.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 12, 2024-utgaven av The New Indian Express Tirupati.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
I Know How to Play Real Characters
Jennifer Lopez speaks to Katie Ellis on how Unstoppable made her realise that she can overcome anything in life
Of Our Non-violent Ancestors
Pattanaik provides a comprehensive insight into the mysterious world of the Harappan civilisation
The Corrosive Power of Pride
Pride fosters a sense of superiority that harms relationships, distorts the mind, and impedes personal and spiritual growth
Market on the Sands
The Rathgama Wella Fish Market
Market on the Sands
The Rathgama Wella Fish Market
Stepping Across the Worry Lines
The Raghu Dixit Project launches a new album Shakkar as a vernacular statement about India and diversity
Stop Inane and Diversionary Debates, and Focus on What Really Matters
Acute Angle
Every Woman's Brushstrokes
A beautiful blue and pink-hued sky surrounded by lush greenery. Within this is a tree with specks of orange and yellow, besides which is a bed where a woman is sleeping her flowing tresses falling into the foliage.
Untangled Threads He Weaves
An embroiderer who grew up poor is a celebrity in demand with collectors and artists
Untangled Threads He Weaves
An embroiderer who grew up poor is a celebrity in demand with collectors and artists
