ASHA workers to go on strike till Nov 6
Members to wait for CM's decision on hiking honorarium
Shillong, Oct 30: The Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union (MASHAWU) on Monday decided to abstain from work till the November 6 meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
The decision followed a meeting with Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Monday in the presence of the director of National Health Mission Meghalaya and other health officials.
Speaking to the media, Advisor to MAWU Sony Kharjana said the union members apprised Lyngdoh of the demands, such as enhancement of monthly honorarium, 100% coverage of health benefits under MHIS and policy to prevent unnecessary termination of ASHA workers by headmen.
Kharjana said the health minister assured that the demand for 100% coverage of health benefits under MHIS and unnecessary termination would be fulfilled.
“About job security of the workers, the minister clearly stated that the department cannot come out with laws but will surely issue certain guidelines to all DC and headmen when it comes to the job security of the ASHAs workers,” said Kharjana.
On hiking the monthly honorarium, MASHAWU president Mirajune Myrsing said, “The health minister has assured to take up the matter with the chief minister on November 6.”
“Meanwhile, we will take a rest and we will wait for the outcome of the meeting between the chief minister and health minister and if the outcome does not fulfil our demands, we will take a call on how to move ahead with our demands,” said Myrsing.
