Bihar CM announces hike in incentives for rural health workers
In a move aimed at boosting the morale of rural health workers and strengthening healthcare services in rural areas, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a significant hike in incentives for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Mamta workers. The announcement was made on Wednesday, and is expected to have a positive impact on the health sector in the state.
According to the Chief Minister, ASHA workers will now receive an incentive of ₹3,000 per month, up from the previous amount of ₹1,000. Similarly, Mamta workers will be provided an incentive of ₹600 per delivery, up from the previous amount of ₹300. This hike in incentives is expected to motivate these workers to work harder and more efficiently, ultimately leading to better healthcare services for the people of Bihar.
The announcement has been welcomed by health workers and experts alike, who have long been advocating for better incentives and working conditions for rural health workers. “This is a welcome move by the Chief Minister,” said Dr. S K Singh, a leading health expert in Bihar. “ASHA and Mamta workers play a crucial role in healthcare services in rural areas, and this hike in incentives will definitely boost their morale and motivation.”
ASHA workers are community-level health activists who are responsible for providing healthcare services to rural communities. They are trained to identify and report cases of illness, provide basic first aid, and refer patients to higher-level healthcare facilities. Mamta workers, on the other hand, are trained to provide healthcare services specifically to pregnant women and new mothers.
The hike in incentives is expected to have a positive impact on the health sector in Bihar, particularly in rural areas where healthcare services are often limited. “This move will encourage ASHA and Mamta workers to work harder and more efficiently,” said Bihar Health Minister, Mangal Pandey. “It will also help to improve health outcomes in rural areas, where the need for healthcare services is often greater.”
The announcement has also been welcomed by civil society organizations and advocacy groups, who have long been advocating for better healthcare services in rural areas. “This is a step in the right direction,” said Shashi Shekhar, a leading civil society activist. “ASHA and Mamta workers are the backbone of healthcare services in rural areas, and this hike in incentives will definitely improve their working conditions and motivation.”
The Chief Minister’s announcement is also seen as a move to address the brain drain that has been affecting the health sector in Bihar. Many ASHA and Mamta workers have been leaving their jobs due to poor working conditions and inadequate incentives. This hike in incentives is expected to stem the tide of brain drain and encourage more workers to join the healthcare sector.
In conclusion, the hike in incentives for ASHA and Mamta workers is a welcome move by the Bihar Chief Minister. It is expected to boost the morale and motivation of these workers, ultimately leading to better healthcare services for the people of Bihar. The move is also seen as a step towards addressing the brain drain that has been affecting the health sector in the state.
Source: https://x.com/NitishKumar/status/1950383399589564627
