'Announcement alone not enough, Suresh Gopi should come with order’: ASHA workers clarify stand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ASHA workers clarified that the central government's announcement of a wage hike is not just enough and they will not withdraw from the strike, till an order is received. They said ASHA workers have been deceived by such promises in the past. 'Union Minister Suresh Gopi had visited the protest site many times. We want him to come with the order next time. ASHA workers and Suresh Gopi should not be deceived. The government should take immediate action,' said the protest committee.

The ASHA workers' strike in front of the secretariat has entered its 33rd day today. The scorching summer heat has not reduced the enthusiasm of them. Many are sick. Such workers are returning to the protest site after seeking treatment in the hospital. They have firmly decided not to withdraw from the strike until a decision is made to accept their demands. Opposition leader V D Satheesan had hinted the other day that a favorable situation is developing for talks. However, it is learnt that no decision has been taken by the government to call the protesters for talks yet.

The standing committee for the ministry of family health had recommended increasing the financial assistance to ASHA workers. The services of ASHAs should be utilized to bridge the gap between research and public health implementation. For this, ASHA workers should be given necessary encouragement. The meager financial assistance currently provided to ASHAs is not enough to cover basic expenses. Therefore, the committee, chaired by Ram Gopal Yadav, recommended that more assistance be ensured from the allocation for the health research department in addition to the regular remuneration of ASHAs.

The standing committee report states that Rs 4970.03 crore was requested for health research in the 2025-26 budget, but only Rs 3900.69 crore was allocated. 1.89 percent of the budget was allocated for the health sector. The committee also demanded that this be increased.