DIBRUGARH, Jan 1 - Acknowledging the contribution of the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in the field of maternal health, the district administration here organized the first ASHA convention at the local district library auditorium on Thursday and honoured seven women for their outstanding contributions by giving away the Best ASHA Awards to them.
The Best ASHA Awards were presented to Kunja Changmai (Khowang Health Block), Pushpanjali Keot (Panitola), Nilima Hazarika (Tengakhat), Sewali Sonowal (Naharani), Sumitra Rajwar (Lahoal), Kamala Kayatha (Borborooah) and Farida Begum (Dibrugarh).
The daylong convention was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner MS Manivannan by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The Deputy Commissioner lauded the efforts of the ASHA workers in providing proper health care and guidance, particularly to the pregnant mothers and infants in the remote and inaccessible areas of the district. �The ASHA workers have a pivotal role to play in making the district anaemia free. They can transform the present picture of maternal, child and adolescent health in the district,� he said.
The function was also addressed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Anjanabh Chaliha and In-Charge Joint Director, Health Services, Dr Paban Swarnakar. The ASHA workers also staged Jeng Bihu, Jhumur, group dance, Diha Naam and a short play on the occasion. The convention also observed one minute silence in memory of the ASHA workers who had expired since 2005 and lit 10 lamps on the occasion.
The District Programme Manager (NHM), Monisha Buragohain and the District Data Manager Chiranjeev Borgohain dwelt on the role of ASHA health workers and other social activists in implementing welfare schemes.
