ASHA Workers Face Unpaid Late-Night Work Challenges Amid Health Initiatives

ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are grappling with increased workloads and uncompensated late-night tasks as the health department introduces late-night blood tests to identify malaria and Filariasis among patients. The additional responsibilities come on top of the ASHA workers’ existing duties, leading to protests and concerns over the lack of rewards for overtime.

Challenges for ASHA Workers

The ASHA workers, already burdened with locating migrant workers’ residences and accompanying officials, are now required to participate in late-night blood sample collections. Despite the physically demanding nature of their tasks, there is no provision for overtime compensation. The introduction of late-night testing, specifically for diseases that manifest at night, adds strain to an already overwhelmed workforce.

Protests and Allegations

ASHA workers in Ernakulam district, particularly in West Kochi, Aluva, and Perumbavoor, have protested against the new late-night blood tests. Allegations have surfaced that health officials and local representatives are pressuring workers with threats of dismissal if they refuse to partake in the blood sample collection. The situation highlights the challenges faced by frontline health workers and the need for fair compensation and supportive working conditions.