Centre writes to states for security of women healthcare workers -Sushmi Dey

-The Times of India

New Delhi: Worried that the recent gang-rape and suicide of an ASHA worker in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh can jeopardise its ambitious health plans, the Centre has asked states to take proactive measures to ensure security of healthcare workers.

The health ministry has suggested states to set up a complaint committee or cell headed by a woman as per Vishaka guidelines in every healthcare facility.

Besides, states have also been asked to hold gender sensitisation programmes for healthcare workers by December this year for action on violence against women. It also said complaints made by the female staff must be investigated promptly and appropriately.

"The states must ensure that such committees are strengthened and activated for addressing issues related to sexual harassment of female health workers. The cell should also work in coordination with the women's helpline and other institutional mechanisms created for this purpose," the ministry said in its letter to state principal secretaries.

There are over nine lakh Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and 1,80,000 Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) who work in rural areas to deliver healthcare as per government's policies. ASHAs are primarily 25 to 45 years. Beside ASHAs and ANMs, there are various other field workers who deliver healthcare in rural areas.

The ministry emphasised that these healthcare workers play a very crucial role in implementation and success of all health sector schemes and programmes. For instance, ASHAs have been crucial in carrying out plans including National Rural Health Mission and even the government's immunization drive.

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