Raphael Warjri

Meghalaya Health Minister, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh mentioned that Asha workers are volunteers within the health system who provide services voluntarily under the guidance of their respective village head councils. She stated that their remuneration is considered adequate. When asked about the possibility of increasing the remuneration for Asha workers in the state, Lyngdoh explained that there are around 7000 villages in the state, and health workers like the Ashas serve on a rotational basis of 2-3 years.

Lyngdoh emphasized the importance of rotating these responsibilities in villages to promote good health habits among the general population. She suggested a cycle of 12-24 months or 3-5 years for this purpose. Additionally, she pointed out that Asha workers receive incentives and remuneration for each duty they perform.

She also mentioned that there were previously pending incentives which have now been cleared by the state government. Ampareen Lyngdoh also clarified that the remuneration for ASHA workers is not fixed and varies based on the work they perform. She urged the ASHAs to understand that their remuneration is considered adequate by the government and that they operate on a voluntary basis, not directly under the government or Health Department of the State.