Keeping up the morale of the foot soldiers of Indian public health: an appraisal of the economic aspects of ASHAs in Uttarakhand, India

Ammu Lavanya; Madhavi Bhargava

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20151036

Authors

Ammu Lavanya Department of Economics, Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, New Delhi
Madhavi Bhargava Rural Development Institute, Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20151036

Keywords:

Accredited social health activist, Economic, Incentive, Motivation

Abstract

Background: Accredited social health activist (ASHA) is a voluntary community health worker and an important human resource for public health system of India. Their motivation to become a community health worker and continued efforts is a mix of monetary and non-monetary factors. Their motivation to work comes partly from desire to work for the community and prestige, but is furthered by the monetary compensation.

Objectives: To study the economic status of ASHAs in Uttarakhand, and their contribution to household income and the role the monetary incentives play in their work.

Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted in Haridwar and Dehradun districts of Uttarakhand. Eighty one ASHAs were interviewed using pre-piloted semi-structured questionnaire. Their economic status was assessed using Modified BG Prasad Classification.

Results: Majority of the ASHAs belonged to class 4 according to modified B G Prasad Classification. Mean monthly earning as ASHA was 1335 rupees (SD: 748) and the mean contribution to the total household income was 28%. Financial incentive was an important motivating factor with associated concerns about delay in payments. About 75% felt that the amount was inadequate considering the time and effort involved.

Conclusions:There is need to review the financial and non-financial incentives with due consideration to inflation and consumer price index.

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