Awareness of ASHA workers about their role and responsibilities under National Health Mission: A study of Malwa region of Punjab

Pages: 707-713
Amandeep Kaur (Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab)

The objectives of this study were to assess adherence to selection criteria in the recruitment of ASHA workers, to assess of their awareness regarding their roles and responsibilities and to assess their performance against their job descriptions in Malwa region of Punjab state, India. For the present study, two districts, the district Patiala and the district Sangrur has been selected from the Malwa region of Punjab, on the basis of high focusing and non-high focusing districts. Thirteen Community Health Centres has been selected from two Districts. A total one hundred thirty (ASHA workers) respondents has selected for the purpose of study. Primary data has collected with the help of interview schedule. The seven blocks of district Sangrur and six blocks of district Patiala were visited to conduct interview, focused group discussion and observation. Interview schedule prepared to get the views of ASHA workers regarding National Health Mission. Data collected through interview schedule has supplemented through observation. In order to have a deep insight into the feedback of respondents towards the scheme, it becomes necessary to deal with the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents include age, education, caste and family income. ASHA workers predominantly involved in certain task: knowledge about medicine kit, knowledge about Ante Natal Checkup and Post Natal Checkup, awareness about the Newborn Care, accompanying of ASHA worker with women at Hospital, registered Case under Asha Worker, knowledge regarding various component of Mother and Child health. Conclusion ASHA workers were largely recruited as per pre-set selection criteria with regard to age, education, family status, income, and residence. ASHA workers were found to be functional in some areas with scope for improvement in others. The role of ASHA workers was perceived to be more of a link worker and facilitator rather than a community health worker.