BHADERWAH, OCT 27: In a concerted effort to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery and address the challenges faced by frontline health workers in remote areas, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Bhaderwah, Dr. Versha Sharma, chaired an ASHA Functionality Meeting at Khellani on Tuesday, bringing together 25 ASHA workers from far-flung areas of the block.
The meeting, conducted in collaboration with the ASHA Functionality Team, focused on reviewing the performance of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), assessing the implementation of key healthcare programmes and identifying gaps in service delivery, particularly in areas where geographical constraints affect access to essential medical facilities.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sharma appreciated the dedication and commitment of ASHA workers in providing essential healthcare services at the community level. She highlighted their crucial role in maternal and child healthcare, family planning, screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), tuberculosis control and creating awareness about the Ayushman Bharat programme.
During the meeting, the Block ASHA Coordinator and ASHA Facilitators reviewed beneficiary due-lists covering Antenatal Care (ANC), Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC), Home-Based Care for Young Children (HBYC), routine immunisation and follow-up services for non-communicable diseases. The review aimed to improve beneficiary tracking, ensure timely interventions and strengthen coordination between frontline health workers and healthcare institutions.
Special emphasis was laid on winter preparedness, considering the difficulties faced by residents of remote and inaccessible areas during the winter months. ASHA workers were directed to compile and submit details of pregnant women whose Expected Dates of Delivery (EDDs) fall during the winter season.
The exercise is intended to facilitate advance planning, timely referrals and continuity of maternal healthcare services, helping ensure that pregnant women receive appropriate medical attention without delays caused by adverse weather or transportation difficulties.
Responding to concerns raised by ASHA workers regarding limited access to maternal healthcare facilities in remote areas, Dr. Sharma announced that a Special Antenatal Care (ANC) Camp will be organised at Dugli on November 5, 2026.
The camp will provide consultations by a Medical Officer, portable ultrasonography (USG) screening and rapid diagnostic laboratory testing, bringing essential maternal healthcare services closer to residents of the area. The initiative is expected to help identify potential health complications at an early stage and facilitate timely medical intervention and referrals wherever required.
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the ASHA workers and the ASHA Functionality Team for their continued efforts in extending healthcare services to underserved communities.
The initiative underscores the Health Department’s focus on strengthening primary healthcare delivery, improving maternal and child health outcomes and ensuring that residents of remote areas receive timely and accessible medical services, particularly during the challenging winter season.
