CPI-M leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today advocated for fulfilling the demands of ASHA workers and releasing their incentives pending since long.While raising the issue through a starred question in Legislative Assembly today, the CPI (M) leader demanded formulation of comprehensive policy for regularization of NHM employees including doctors, para-medical/clerical staff, ASHAs and ambulance drivers. He further demanded that NHM should be made permanent health programmee of the government with universal application and adequate financial allocations.“The insensitive approach of the state government towards the long pending legitimate grievances of these poor workers is unfortunate. Their demands should be conceded forthwith," he demanded.
Tarigami emphasized the necessity for providing Rs. 1000/ in addition to incentives already been paid to ASHA workers, keeping in view their contribution in promoting health care to rural women folk. He demanded for providing them all social security benefits like pension, gratuity and maternity benefits etc. They shall also be provided uniform, ID cards, Bus passes and all facilities applicable to BPL card holders, he stressed.Taking serious note of alarming rise in cancer cases in the state especially in Kashmir valley the CPI (M) leader urged upon the government to approach the Ministry of Health, GoI for deputing expert team to valley to study the causes of rise in cancer cases. (KNS)