ASHA workers call for boycott of training program to be held by National Health Mission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association has called for a boycott of a training program scheduled by the National Health Mission (NHM) tomorrow. This decision follows the government’s announcement of the program after ASHA workers declared plans to block the Secretariat on Monday. In response, the Association urged the postponement of the palliative care training and accused the NHM of acting at the behest of the ruling party. The ASHA workers have been holding a sit-in protest in front of the Secretariat for 35 days, demanding better wages and other benefits. They believe that the government is organizing the training program to derail their ongoing protest rather than addressing their concerns.

The ASHA Health Workers Association criticized the Health Department's decision to hold the training, which they deemed unnecessary and rushed. They argued that the move was a clear indication of the government's intentions and a challenge to the public supporting the ASHA workers' strike. The association confirmed that they would continue with their Secretariat blockade.

The training, set for Monday, will focus on the Palliative Care Action Plan and Palliative Care. The NHM District Program Managers issued the directive for the training yesterday.