UP: Ayushman scheme benefits to be extended to ASHA workers

LUCKNOW: In a big morale booster for accredited social health activists (ASHAs), the state government will include these community health workers on the list of beneficiaries for Ayushman Bharat.

The move follows a policy decision taken by the Union ministry of health and family welfare on October 23. It will benefit more than 1.5 lakh ASHAs in the state. Ayushman Bharat provides a health cover of Rs 5 lakh to each beneficiary.

Frontline workers such as ASHAs and ASHA facilitators play a critical role in enabling access to health and nutrition related services for the community. Since most of them likely come from modest socio-economic background, they will be covered under Ayushman Bharat, said an official order.

The Union ministry has sought a district-wise list of ASHAs and ASHA facilitators by October 31.