The Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union (MASHAWU) today had urges all ASHAs workers in Meghalaya to abstain from working and wait for the outcome of the meeting scheduled to be on 6 November with the chief minister.
This decision was taken after a meeting with health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh in the presence of the director of National Health Mission Meghalaya and other officials of the health department.
Speaking to media persons, Adviser of MAWU Sony Kharjana said in the meeting with the minister concern to apprise her on various grievances including enhancement of monthly honorarium, 100% coverage of health benefits under MHIS and policy to prevent unnecessary termination of ASHA workers by respective headmen.
Kharjana said that in the meeting the health minister had only assurance to fulfill the two demands which include to incorporate 100% coverage of health benefits under MHIS and to come out with certain guidelines to prevent unnecessary termination of ASHAs workers by headmen.
“When it comes to health benefits, the minister concern had assured the union that the matter will be taken up with the department to collect all details of ASHAs for carrying incorporation of 100% coverage of health benefits under MHIS and when to comes to the job security of the worker, the minister had clearly stated that the department cannot come out with laws but will surely issue certain guidelines to all DC and headmen when it comes to the job security of the ASHAs workers” said Kharjana.
When asked on the assurance of their demand to enhance their monthly honorarium, MAWU president Mirajune Myrsing said “The health minister has assured to take up the matter with the chief minister on 6 November”.
“In the meantime we will take rest and we will wait for the outcome of the meeting between the chief minister and health minister on 6 November and if the outcome does not fulfill our demand, we will take a call on how to move ahead with our demands” said Myrsing.