More Than 1700 ASHAs appear in NIOS examination in JK
More Than 1700 ASHAs appear in NIOS examination in JK
Srinagar, Sep 25 :
More than 1700 ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) of National Health Mission (NHM), J&K appeared in the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) certification examination on Friday, which was conducted at all India level.
The theory Examination was conducted by NIOS in all the districts across Jammu and Kashmir while all COVID-19 protocols were followed in the designated Centres.
Officials said despite challenges, 22% of non-certified ASHAs in J&K appeared in the All India level NIOS examination today.
He said till date, 41% ASHAs of J&K have been certified by NIOS, which is proportionately the highest in the country.
Mission Director NHM JK, Yasin Choudhary said the certification of ASHAs has been envisaged to provide a legal framework within which they would be eligible and responsible for providing community-level care.
“ This would enhance the competency, professional credibility of ASHAs, allow them to use a set of drugs and point of care diagnostics appropriate to that level of care,” he said.
He said the certification would provide an assurance to the community on quality of services being provided by the ASHAs adding it would promote self-recognition in them.
ASHAs being engaged by NHM are working as a bridge between the health department and the community.
The MD said all health schemes of NHM or government are being implemented by ASHAs at the grass-roots level.
“ ASHA is a link through which the health care needs of the people are being catered.
Viewing their importance for Health care delivery at ground level, NHM has started the project of certification of all ASHAs,” he said.
ASHA certification project is a Union government initiative and third party accreditation for stabilizing the level of quality in ASHA and their cadres as they deal with all the National Health Programs for pregnant ladies, vaccinations, communicable diseases, tuberculosis, Leprosy etc.
Choudhary said there is a tripartite arrangement between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to undertake the process of accreditation of State & District trainers, State & District training sites and certification for ASHAs.
ASHAs have to go through a residential training schedule at district training sites along with practical and skill tests for appearing in the final theory examination for certification.
The MD said at present, about 12622 ASHAs have been engaged in J&K and all ASHAs shall be certified in a phased manner by NIOS in a period of two years.
The department is targeting that 3000 ASHAs would appear in the All India Level ASHA Certification Examination in every six-monthly session by NIOS to create a pool of health activists in J&K.
He said after 2022, no ASHA would be left uncertified.
The program is monitored and reviewed strictly and periodically by Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Vivek Bhardwaj and by the MD NHM.
JNHM, J&K and has a direct and active support of Chairperson, NIOS, Dr. Sitansu S. Sena and National Project Director, NIOS, Alok Mishra.
