40 days of tears, pain and insults; ASHA workers remain unperturbed

The discussions held by ASHA leaders with Health Minister Veena George and National Health Mission Director Vinay Goyal on Wednesday turned out futile. Minister Veena George sympathized with ASHA workers but cited the government's financial situation as a hindrance to the demand for an increase in wages and incentives. ASHA workers have decided to go on with protests that have now crossed 40 days in front of the Thiruvananthapuram secretariat. The hopes of the ASHA workers are now pinned on the discussions that Minister Veena George is holding with the Union Health Minister in Delhi.

Since the beginning of the protest, the government has been bias in their attitude towards ASHA workers. Leaders from the ruling faction resorted to coarse jibes and denigrations, that have now affected the settlement negotiations. The government believed that the strike would end on its own. However, with each passing day, the protesters gained more public support.

Despite the jibes and insults, the government accepted that ASHA worker's demands were genuine. So the question arises, why can't there be a solution to the problem?

Left party leaders, who rose to popularity from humble beginnings and labourers were at the forefront scoffing at the ASHA protest. The insults and sneering only bolstered the support for ASHA workers among Malayalees. Intervening in the ASHA strike, the statements issued by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Malayali Suresh Gopi gave hope, but it is not known why they have not been effective yet.

Central leaders say it is fair to increase the honorarium of ASHA workers to Rs 21,000. But this is still pending implementation. Everyone might have an understanding that earning Rs 7000 a month in 2025 barely contributes anything to running a middle-class family. ASHA workers have been clinging to this salary for years, compromising all luxuries to take care of their families. They had enough of the neglect.

Health data collection in the state has come to a complete halt following the strike by ASHA workers, who work as the foundation of public health activities. With the monsoon season approaching, the home visits and information gathering by ASHA workers are valuable. It would not be wise of the government to picture them as rivals. Since the government accepted their demands as genuine, efforts should be made to resolve the issue through more extensive discussions.