Agartala, May 15: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said that ASHA workers have become a symbol of trust in delivering healthcare services to the people of the state and assured that the government is committed to ensuring their rights, improved work quality, and increased monthly honorarium.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while speaking at the state-level ASHA Convention at the International Indoor Exhibition Hall in Hapania, Agartala.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said that along with doctors, ASHA workers have been tirelessly working to keep the state’s healthcare system functional. He said the 7,866 ASHA workers of the state have played a key role in taking healthcare services to every corner of Tripura, from hilly areas to the plains.

He praised the contribution of ASHA workers during natural disasters and pandemics, saying they repeatedly instilled hope and confidence among the people during difficult times.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has sanctioned over Rs 273 crore for expansion and infrastructure development at Agartala Government Medical College. He said the expansion will increase MBBS seats by 100 and Post Graduate seats by 83, marking a major milestone in the development of medical education and healthcare infrastructure in the state.

At the beginning of the programme, the Chief Minister flagged-off 24 Mobile Medical Units provided under the National Health Mission to deliver healthcare services in villages covered under the Prime Minister Janman and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan schemes. He also visited the theme pavilion organised as part of the convention.

Highlighting the role of ASHA workers, the Chief Minister said the present government is giving top priority to improving healthcare infrastructure and services across the state, and ASHA workers are playing a crucial role in achieving this objective.

He said the government is continuously working to provide better facilities and support to ASHA workers and added that there is no need for any agitation regarding their demands.

The Chief Minister further stated that ASHA workers are leading awareness campaigns among people on various diseases and health issues. He said immunisation of mothers and children, primary healthcare, nutrition awareness, and institutional deliveries are being carried out effectively across the state through the efforts of ASHA workers.

Announcing new initiatives, he said every ASHA worker and ASHA facilitator in the state will be provided with Android mobile phones to help them access healthcare-related information more efficiently. During the programme, the Chief Minister also launched the ASHA Mobile App and the ASHA theme song.

One best ASHA worker and one best ASHA facilitator from each district were honoured with a cash award of Rs 5,000 and mementos. A best District ASHA Programme Manager was also felicitated during the event.

Among those present were Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Joint Director of National Health Mission Dr. Nupur Debbarma, Member Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Society Dr. Souvik Debbarma, Mission Director of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission G. S. Nayek, Health Director Dr. Debashree Debbarma, Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine Dr. Anjan Das, Director of Medical Education Dr. H. P. Sharma, Chief Medical Officers from all eight districts, ASHA workers, and ASHA facilitators.