Itanagar, Mar 17: Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge Monday lauded the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) as the frontline disseminators of health information, emphasising their critical role in promoting healthcare awareness, motivating villagers, and ensuring access to essential medical services.
Speaking at the state ASHA convention here, organised by the state’s National Health Mission (NHM), the minister acknowledged the challenges ASHA workers face in mobilising communities’ and urged them to remain committed to their noble cause.
He called on all stakeholders to support efforts to improve the state’s healthcare system and ensure wider access to medical benefits and services.
Recognizing the best ASHA workers and facilitators from 26 districts, Wahge presented them with mementos and certificates as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service in strengthening grassroots healthcare.
He also encouraged everyone to utilise ‘Scan & Find’, a digital indoor navigation system recently launched at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), to enhance accessibility within hospital premises.
Earlier, Health and Family Welfare commissioner Pawn Kumar Sain, commended the ASHA workers for their pivotal role in India's healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He highlighted their contributions in providing essential health services, raising awareness, and driving public health initiatives at the grassroots level.
NHM Mission Director Marge Sora in his address, reiterated that ASHAs serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services. He emphasised their role in bridging the gap between healthcare facilities and remote communities, often where medical access is limited.
Encouraging them to continue their dedicated work, he stressed the importance of their efforts in strengthening the National Health Mission.
The convention also featured presentations from Dr Dimong Padung, NHM nodal officer, who provided an overview of NHM’s initiatives and Dr Gomi Basai, who introduced two newly launched software platforms ‘Scan & Find’ and ‘Scan & Feedback’, under a pilot program at TRIHMS.
While ‘Scan & Find’ helps patients navigate hospital departments and doctor chambers, ‘Scan & Feedback’ enables them to submit complaints and suggestions, ensuring better healthcare service delivery.
Adding an interactive element, a skit on community mobilisation and door-to-door healthcare awareness was performed by the ASHA team, showcasing their real-life contributions.
The convention was also attended by District Medical Officers (DMOs), District Reproductive and Child Health Officers (DRCHOs), and Medical Officers (MOs).
