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Research Paper | Health and Medical Sciences | India | Volume 13 Issue 1, January 2024 | Popularity: 5.8 / 10

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Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in Field Practice Area of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Dr. J. Meghana Madhumitha, Dr. V. Surya Rao

Abstract: Background: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are community health workers under the National Rural Health Mission of Government of India. ASHAs play an essential role in strengthening the primary healthcare system in India. They are not recognised as ?workers,? but as ?volunteers/ activists? and excludes them from the protection offered under various labour laws. They do not receive social security benefits such as paid leave, insurance of any kind, or maternity leave. Coronavirus disease (COVID19) effected them socially, mentally and economically. Objective: To assess the challenges faced by ASHA workers during COVID19 pandemic. Methodology: Cross sectional study was done among all the ASHA workers in rural and urban field practice area of Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam . Results: It is found that in this study that on average of the respondents faced difficulties frequently during this pandemic and about per cent of ASHAs opine that COVID19 has a lot of impact on socio-economic status. Conclusion: This study discusses the economic impact of pandemic on ASHA workers and majority of the respondents felt financial difficulty during the pandemic period and it also impacted their savings, regular expenditure and jobs of their family members.From this study, it is suggested that Government should take appropriate steps to improving the financial status of ASHA workers by increasing their honorarium and improving incentive.

Keywords: ASHA, COVID19, Socio-economic problems, Frontline health workers

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 1, January 2024

Pages: 252 - 256

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR24102094137

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