With training and incentive, ASHAs can help
address lifestyle diseases : study

New Delhi, 01^st November 2019 : A new study has highlighted that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), the grassroots level health workers, can deliver care for non-communicable diseases also if they were provided with appropriate training and were paid adequately.

ASHAs are identified as part of the National Program for Cardiovascular Diseases

At
present, though ASHAs are identified as part of the National Program for
Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, Cancer and Stroke at the policy
level, they are not recognized as part of its formal service delivery team on
the ground.

The
study found that ASHAs feel overburdened, as they are work as part-time
volunteers in the health system and deliver several activities under the
programme on top of their routine primary care workload, without receiving
remuneration for the non-communicable disease – related activities. The George
Institute for Global Health conducted the study in Andhra Pradesh.

Lead
author of the study, Marwa Abdel-All, said the study has also highlighted the
importance of monitoring and support, with evaluation and career development
options for ASHAs. “We found adequate recognition and integration of the
community health workers into the health system, functional infrastructure, and
a clear role description to be key enablers to optimize their efficiency. The central
government should commit itself towards the development and capacity building
of ASHAs for non-communicable disease control”, she added.

Prof Vivek Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute India said,

“as the range of services provided by ASHAs expands, there will be a debate on whether to increase their numbers or to create a separate cadre specific to non-communicable diseases. However, in empowering ASHAs for more responsibilities, knowledge, and skills, it is important that they get remunerated for the services and continue to be embedded in the community so that they leverage the strong relationship that is necessary to effectively provide healthcare across the life course”.

The study results have been published in journal Human Resources for Health.

By Sunderarajan Padmanabhan

(India Science Wire)

With training and incentive, ASHAs can help address lifestyle diseases : study

With training and incentive, ASHAs can help
address lifestyle diseases : study

ASHAs are identified as part of the National Program for Cardiovascular Diseases

Prof Vivek Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute India said,

The study results have been published in journal Human Resources for Health.

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With training and incentive, ASHAs can help address lifestyle diseases : study

With training and incentive, ASHAs can helpaddress lifestyle diseases : study

ASHAs are identified as part of the National Program for Cardiovascular Diseases

Prof Vivek Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute India said,

The study results have been published in journal Human Resources for Health.

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