UPSC Prelims 2012 Q26: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of
‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker?
1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care check - up
2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization
4. Conducting the delivery of baby
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Jobs of ASHA
ASHA stands for Accredited Social Health Activist.
She is a trained woman volunteer from the village, under the National Rural Health Mission (2005).
| Job | Done by ASHA? |
|---|---|
| 1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care check-up | Yes |
| 2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy | Yes |
| 3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization | Yes |
| 4. Conducting the delivery of baby | No |
Who does what in village health:
| Worker | Role |
|---|---|
| ASHA | Link between the community and the health system; paid incentives per task |
| ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) | Trained to conduct deliveries and give vaccines |
| Anganwadi worker | Nutrition and pre-school care under ICDS |
Norm: one ASHA for about 1,000 people.
She also promotes institutional delivery under Janani Suraksha Yojana.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. ASHA escorts women, uses pregnancy kits and gives health information.
- (b) Incorrect. ASHA does not conduct deliveries.
- (c) Incorrect. She also uses pregnancy test kits.
- (d) Incorrect. Conducting the delivery is not her job.
Key point
ASHA (NRHM, 2005): village health volunteer; escorts women for check-ups, gives information, promotes institutional delivery; does not conduct deliveries.
Remember
ASHA = health link worker, no deliveries.
Common mistakes
- Confusing ASHA with the ANM, who conducts deliveries.
- Thinking ASHA draws a fixed salary; she earns incentives.
- Forgetting the norm of one per 1,000 people.
Exam tip
ASHA accompanies and informs; the ANM conducts the delivery.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — National Health Mission: Guidelines on Accredited Social Health Activists
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — Janani Suraksha Yojana