Over 42000 Jharkhand ASHA workers on strike demanding salary hike

Ranchi: Almost 42000 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAS) from across Jharkhand went on indefinite strike from Monday, demanding a hike in their remuneration.

The indefinite strike by ASHA workers in Jharkhand entered the third day on Wednesday as they stuck to their charter of demands, including a hike in their remuneration. 

Health services, such as immunization, antenatal and post-natal check-ups in rural areas, have been adversely impacted as more than 42,000 Accredited Social Health Activists (Ashas) joined the agitation, an official said. 

Sahiyas, who help mobilise the community and facilitate access to health and health-related services in rural areas, warned of intensifying the stir if their demands are not met.

The 'Asha' workers have been staging demonstrations at primary and community health centres of the state and participated in rallies at block levels.

Jharkhand Pradesh Swasthya Sahiya Sangh (JPSSS) secretary Maya Singh said We will not have any alternative option but to intensify the agitation if no one pays attention to our demands."

She said the association has been demanding that the remuneration be increased to at least Rs 18,000 per month besides benefits of EPF and pension along with regularisation of services.

Meanwhile, contractual employees of the state government, who have been observing a strike since January 17 demanding regularisation of their jobs, have decided to intensify the agitation.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that health services had been at a standstill as 3,000 Junior resident doctors and many more senior doctors of government medical colleges and hospitals in Chhattisgarh had gone on strike since last week seeking appropriate stipends for medical interns, bonded doctors and PG resident doctors. The resident doctors suspended OPD services and threatened a complete suspension of healthcare services if internship and PG stipends, post MBBS and post PG bond salaries are not increased.