Following its support for field-level healthcare workers in Telangana, the state government announced paid maternity leave for all Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers on Monday.
T Harish Rao, the state health minister, made the announcement on Monday during a review meeting on ASHA and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), stating that these workers are the backbone of primary health care services and the efficient implementation of state-run public health initiatives.
Harish Rao also emphasized the importance of ASHAs and ANMS in providing quality medical services to people at the grassroots level.
Previously, ASHA employees used protests and demonstrations to secure wage increases and timely remuneration. However, since statehood, wages for ASHA workers have been hiked.
ASHAs currently earn Rs 9750 per month, while their counterparts in BJP and Congress-ruled states earn only Rs 4000 to 5000.
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Harish Rao also directed senior health officials to conduct a study on the implementation of paid maternity leave for ASHAs and ANMs, following which a detailed report will be submitted.
“June 14 is being observed as Telangana Health Day as a part of the ongoing 21-day Telangana Formation Day Decennial Celebrations,” said Harish Rao.
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