A critical Analysis of the role of the Accredited Social Health Activists in Managing Health-Care Services During Pre-COVID and Post-COVOD Period in India

Abstract

The paper investigates and critically analyses the contribution of Indian healthcare workers ‘ASHA’ that is (Accredited Social Health Activists) ASHA program was introduced by the Indian government and is a vital component of community process intervention.  ASHA program is one of the largest community health worker programs; it is considered an important contributor to enabling people’s participation in healthcare. This paper examines the crucial role ASHA workers play in India's community healthcare system and broader society. It also addresses the current working conditions, job security concerns, and wages associated with ASHA workers.     We focus on the experiences – struggles, and hardships of ASHAs who have been at the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in India for the last two years. We try to provide a historical review of the specific category of women health workers called ASHA. Through a brief analysis of the working conditions of the ASHA workers in contemporary India, we reveal the increasing inequalities and exploitation in the context of privatization and corporatization of healthcare work at multiple levels, contributing to gradually eroding the rights of women’s healthcare workers. The paper aims to examine the changing responsibilities of ASHA workers, assess their contributions before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and delve into the experiences of ASHA workers during the COVID-19 crisis.