Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced doubling of routine incentives given to ASHA workers by the Government. All ASHA workers and their helpers would also be provided free insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Prime Minister Suraksha Bima Yojana.
The prime minister also announced significant increase in the honorarium given to Anganwadi workers. Those receiving Rs 3,000 so far would now receive Rs 4,500. Similarly, those receiving Rs 2,200, would now get Rs 3,500. The honorarium for Anganwadi helpers has also been increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,250.
He also appreciated efforts and dedication of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and Anganwadi workers for effective implementation of the Mission Indradhanush and for providing vaccination cover to over 3 lakh pregnant women and crores of children.
The prime minister was interacting with the team of three As- the ASHA worker, Anganwadi worker and ANM from across the country through video conferencing.
During the interaction, he also urged to spread further information about Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan.
Modi appreciated their effort to work together, to use innovative means and technology, to improve the delivery of health and nutrition services and achieve the goal of POSHAN Abhiyan- reduction of malnutrition in the country.
The prime minister also recognised the contribution of grassroots health workers and thanked them for their efforts in building strong and healthy nation. The interaction was organised as part poshan Maah, being observed this month.
The programme is aimed to take the message of nutrition to every household.
Highlighting the National Nutrition Mission, the prime minister said Poshan Abhiyaan launched from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, targets reduction in incidence of stunting, anaemia, malnutrition and low birth weight.
It is essential to involve maximum women and children with this movement, he added.
The Government has focussed on aspects relating to nutrition and quality healthcare. Vaccination efforts are progressing at a quick pace, helping women and children in particular, the prime minister said.
The health workers and beneficiaries across the country shared their experiences with the prime minister.
He also acclaimed the success of Newborn care, which benefits 1.25 million children of the country every year. It has been renamed as Home based child care under which the Asha worker will visit 11 times in first 15 month in place of earlier 6 visits in first 42 days of birth.
On this occasion, the prime minister highlighted the link between the health and the growth of the nation, as he said if the children of the country are weak then its growth would also slow down.
For any infant first thousand days of life is very crucial. Nutritious food, dietary habits during this time, decide how its body will become, how it will be in reading and writing and how strong it will be mentally, he added.
If a citizen of the country is healthy, no one can stop the development of the country. So, in the initial thousand days, efforts are being made for developing a strong mechanism to secure the future of the country, the prime minister said.
It is also noteworthy that according to WHO report, use of toilets under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has potential to save 3 lakh innocent life.
Modi congratulated the fellow citizen for their dedication towards cleanliness.
The prime minister also mentioned about the first beneficiary of Ayushman Bharat, baby Karishma also famous as Ayushman baby. He added that she has become the symbol of hope for more than 10 crore families who are going to benefit by launch of Ayushman Bharat from Ranchi on 23rd of this month.
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