ASHAs enabling access to basic healthcare in Molen village

Rebecca Thuer, an ASHA in Molen village under Meluri block of Phek.

Rebecca Thuer, an ASHA in Molen village under Meluri block of Phek.

Phek, July 2 (MExN): Rebecca Thuer, an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) of Molen village under Meluri Block has been serving the community since 2008 in different health activities through mobilizing and facilitating the community in accessing health related services available.


She has been helping people access routine immunization, Ante-Natal Check-up, Post Natal check –up etc provided by the government through Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres, Angandwadi Centres etc. 


Thuer is a depot holder in her village for essential provisions like oral Rehydration Therapy (ORS), Iron folic Acid tablet (IFA) oral pills and condoms etc, informed a report from the NHM Phek, District Media Officer.


In order to provide effective healthcare at the grass root level, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) proposed one ASHA per 1000 population in every village. They act as an interface between the community and the government health care services for promoting universal immunization, referral and escort services for reproductive and child healthcare and other health care delivery programs.


Thuer has escorted 23 pregnant women for institutional delivery to Weziho PHC during 2008 to 2020, assisting pregnant women for ANC and also gives her services in home delivery since there is no ANM posted at Molen village.


Besides these, she also gives her community services during observance of Village Health & Nutrition Day (VHND), routine immunization, and attends Village Health Committee meetings which is held every month.


She is a key personnel even during this COVID-19 pandemic, the report said, adding that Thuer has been instrumental in educating the people. She visits every household and educates the villages on the importance of social distancing, handwashing, hygiene, wearing of mask etc.


Along with the Self Help Group (SHG), she conducted an awareness programme related to COVID-19 and also helped in the construction of a local hand washing tap.


Even though a non-salaried worker, she is not discouraged from going to work and helping the community. 


“ASHAs are a life saver for many in the hard to reach areas,” the report emphasised.