Sushil Gaikwad, Mumbai : Maharashtra’s “ASHA Nirogi Maharashtra” initiative, designed to bolster public healthcare and strengthen grassroots health services, is nearing launch, officials have confirmed. The program will focus on empowering the state’s 63,000 ASHA workers through advanced training and digital resources.
Recognizing ASHA workers as the backbone of the public health system, the initiative aims to address existing challenges such as limited training and resource constraints. Implemented in collaboration with the State IEC Bureau and the IICARE Foundation, the program will provide structured training on key areas like maternal and child health, immunization, and disease prevention through quarterly workshops and refresher courses.
Dr. Kailas Baviskar, deputy director of health services, IEC Bureau, detailed the training methodology, which will include online courses, case studies, and role-play exercises. Online guidance from doctors, nurses, and public health professionals will also be provided on emerging health challenges.
To ensure effective skill enhancement, ASHA workers will undergo pre- and post-training assessments. The government has also developed the I-Learn digital platform, offering self-paced video modules on various health topics, to facilitate continuous learning.