Workshop for ASHAs

SHILLONG, APR 20: R. Warjri, State Minister for Health & Family Welfare today inaugurated the District Level Workshop and Training Programme for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) of East Khasi Hills District on the theme “Strengthening Community Level Interventions-ASHAs Role” at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. The programme was organised by the District Medical and Health Officer, East Khasi Hills District and supported by National Health Mission, East Khasi Hills District.

The inaugural programme was also attended by Shri H.M. Shangpliang, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare cum Mission Director, NHM, Shri P.S. Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman District Health Society, East Khasi Hills District, Dr. D. Lyngdoh, Director of Health Services, MCH&FW cum  Jt. Mission Director, NHM, Dr. (Mrs) J. Lyngwa, Jt. Director of Health Services, MCH &FW cum Nodal Officer, ASHA programme, Meghalaya, Dr. M. R. Basaiawmoit, DMHO, East Khasi Hills District, officials from Health and Social Welfare Department among others.

Smti Warjri in her speech said that the ASHA programme in the State is an important tool in enabling and strengthening community involvement in the health sector.  The Minister also lauded the commitment of the ASHAs in addressing the health care issues in the community especially in the rural areas.

ASHAs play a very important role in encouraging institutional delivery thereby reducing IMR and MMR in the State to a large extent, said the Minister. She expressed hope that the training will further enhance the knowledge capacity of ASHAs in discharging their duties.

Earlier, the Minister handed over the Best District ASHA Award to Smti Fulgida Dkhar, Mawroh PHC, Mylliem C&RD Block for the year 2014-15 and Smti Bandakerlin Japang, Sohbar PHC, Shella Bholaganj C&RD Block for the year 2015-16. The Minister also handed over the Best Block ASHA Award to Smti Wilrose Syiemiong, Mawphlang C&RD Block for the year 2014-15, Smti Fulgida Dkhar, Mylliem C&RD Block for the year 2014-15, Smti Banisha Khongsti, Laitkroh C&RD Block for the year 2014-15 and Smti Joplanglin Buhphang, Laitkroh C&RD Block for the year 2015-16.

During the inaugural function, the Minister also released a book titled, Community Processes Programme – Update 2016-2017 and a Documentary film on ASHA works.  The documentary film was screened during the programme.

Shri H.M. Shangpliang, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare cum Mission Director, NHM, Shri P.S. Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman District Health Society, East Khasi Hills District, Dr. D. Lyngdoh, Director of Health Services, MCH&FW cum Jt. Mission Director, NHM, Dr. (Mrs) J. Lyngwa, Jt. Director of Health Services, MCH &FW cum Nodal Officer, ASHA programme, Meghalaya also spoke during the inaugural programme.

The daylong workshop was attended by ASHAs from all the 8 Community and Rural Development Blocks of East Khasi Hills District. The topics for the workshop includes “Immunization, Reducing IMR & MMR- Role of ASHA”, “Home Based New Born Care Programme”, “Convergence role- Anganwadi Worker, ASHA and ANM: Strengthening Village Health and Nutrition Day”, “Gender Violence and its relation with Reproductive and Child Health- role of ASHA” and “Role of VHSNCs and Community participation- in addressing issues related to health and its social determinants at the village level”. The resource persons include Dr. (Mrs) J. Lyngwa, Jt. Director of Health Services, MCH &FW, Dr. (Mrs) J. B. Ranee, District MCH Officer, East Khasi Hills, representative from Social Welfare Department ICDS and WCD and ASHA Trainer.