Govt releases Rs 53 Cr for Asha workers

“(It) is the highest ever amount released by the government in any year since inception of NHM for both the MABS and MMBS, for clearing of any backlog Incentive upto March 2021,” National Health Mission (NHM) Mission Director said in a statement.

The Meghalaya ASHA Benefit Scheme (MABS) and the Meghalaya Maternity Benefit Scheme

(MMBS) which are a Government of Meghalaya initiative was introduced in the year 2011-12. The objective of the Meghalaya ASHA Benefit Scheme is to improve service delivery to the community.

The Government of Meghalaya has duly released sanctions under the Meghalaya ASHA Benefit

Scheme (MABS) for clearing of any backlog Incentive upto March 2021.

The sanction letter has been given to Deputy Commissioners of all districts on the funds released on  March 29, with copies to District Medical and Health Officers for their information and necessary action.

With the support of the National Health Mission, the Government of Meghalaya has introduced the ASHA and ASHA Facilitator payment mobile application.

The sole purpose of developing the Application is to ease the payment process of ASHA incentives and ensure timely disbursement of the same.

The application will also be an important support tool for programme officers at all levels as it will enable regular monitoring and tracking of ASHA payment and ensure no time lag in payments.

This application has been rolled out in Umling Block of Ri-Bhoi District on a pilot basis. The number of ASHAs that have enrolled in the Application is 471 from the entire Ri-Bhoi District, the total claims raised is Rs 29.90 Lakhs , and an amount raised has been released for payment to the ASHAs through this application within 5 days from the time of claims. This process has cut down the time from 120-150 days to less than 5 days.

By Our Reporter