Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 17: The District Administration through its District Health Society, South Andaman, organized a programme for the Disbursement of Enhanced ASHA Honorarium and Arrears under the National Health Mission (NHM) at the Conference Hall, Disaster Management, A&N Islands, with Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, The Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, as the chief guest. The programme marked the disbursement of the enhanced monthly honorarium of Rs. 5,000/- to ASHA workers, along with pending arrears, in recognition of their dedicated contribution towards community-level healthcare services.
The programme was attended by Smti Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (I/c), South Andaman; Smti Priyanka Kumari, Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman; Shri Keshav Narendra Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Settlement; Dr. H. M. Siddharaju, Director of Health Services along with ASHA workers.
The The MP, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, symbolically presented the ceremonial display cheque to ASHA workers, marking the release of the enhanced honorarium and pending arrears.
In his address, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray appreciated the dedicated services of ASHA workers and thaeir vital role as a link between the community and the public healthcare system.
As a special gesture, ASHA workers came to the dais and expressed their happiness and gratitude to the The MP for the enhancement of their honorarium and release of arrears, while reaffirming their commitment to serving the community. He conveyed his appreciation for their commitment and contribution towards the delivery of essential healthcare services.
Addressing the gathering, Smti Priyanka Kumari, ADM (SA), appreciated the dedication and commitment of ASHA workers towards community healthcare. She also acknowledged the efforts of the The MP, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, who took up and recommended the proposal for enhancement of ASHA honorarium with the Ministry, which was subsequently sanctioned.
At the outset, Dr. H. M. Siddharaju, Director of Health Services, welcomed the gathering and appreciated the important role and continued commitment of ASHA workers towards the public health system.
A total of 106 active ASHA workers are serving under South Andaman District. ASHA workers from Sri Vijaya Puram and Ferrargunj Blocks participated in person, while those from the inter-island areas, including Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Little Andaman block, participated through video conferencing (VC).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri B. Nagendra, District Programme Manager.
