Thane, April 6 Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers are the "real hands of the government" and play a crucial role in delivering healthcare at the grassroots level, chairman of Maharashtra's Tribal Development Review Committee Vivek Pandit said on Monday.
Their role was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic when they worked door-to-door despite risks, he noted on the eve of World Health Day.
"In rural and remote areas, ASHA workers face severe challenges while implementing government schemes. Yet, they ensure timely services reach beneficiaries," Pandit said.
Pandit made the remarks during visits to primary health centres in Bhiwandi taluka of Thane district, where he felicitated ASHA workers, ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife), nurses and doctors for their work among tribal and remote communities, particularly the Katkari population.
Highlighting their contribution, the former MLA said, "ASHA volunteers are important links in the health system and the real hands of the government. They are truly soldiers of society."
Meanwhile, in a separate initiative, around 1,000 ASHA workers from Thane and Mumbai were felicitated at a programme organised by an NGO in Kurla.