Imphal, October 08 2009: Involvement of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) at the interior locations, particularly in remote villages of the hill districts, have been able to rekindle hope among the people living in far-flung areas of the State.

A random survey conducted in recent months by The Sangai Express suggests that after the launch of ASHA programme under the UPA Government's flag-ship National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the much neglected health care amenities in the remote hill areas can be addressed to an appreciable extent.

It came to light that not only are the villagers reaping benefits from the ASHA initiative but individuals engaged as ASHAs are themselves about to be accorded grander recognition for their contributions to the rural health care sector.

ASHAs, it may be noted, are mostly local volunteers who are provided basic training in health care for a specific period after which they are based at their respective places to extend their services.

Activities of the ASHAs include village sanitation works, involvement in immunisation programmes and assistance to medical experts whenever there is outbreak of diseases apart from creating awareness regarding child delivery.

Even since the programme was implemented in 2005 it has been informed that child delivery cases at hospitals have increased manifold as ASHAs are being engaged in creating awareness at the village level that pregnant women should opt for delivery at hospitals/medical centres rather than depending on service of local quacks or untrained persons.

Interacting with The Sangai Express at Molcham village, which is close to the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district, local ASHA member Semkhochin Haokip said she has been providing assistance to expectant mothers of the village regularly, visiting Moreh Hospital in addition to carrying out immunisation programmes, administration of tetanus and BCG injections as well as providing polio drops.

At Namrei village in Ukhrul district, local elders expressed appreciation at the services being provided by local ASHAs, who they said not only convince pregnant women to deliver their child at hospitals but also accompany patients to the medical centres.

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