With reference to the National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA”, trained community health workers?

1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care check-up
2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection pregnancy
3. Providing information on nutrition and immunisation
4. Conducting the delivery of a baby.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is a trained female community health activist.
• ASHA worker act as an interface between the community and the public health system
• Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are trained community health workers with specific roles and responsibilities, including:
• Accompanying women to health facilities for antenatal care check-ups: ASHAs play a crucial role in ensuring that pregnant women receive proper antenatal care.
• Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy: ASHAs are trained to use pregnancy test kits to facilitate early detection of pregnancy, enabling timely antenatal care.
• Providing information on nutrition and immunisation: They educate families about the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding, and immunisation to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
• Conducting the delivery of a baby: Not a responsibility of ASHAs. ASHAs are not trained to conduct deliveries. Instead, they encourage institutional deliveries and assist women in accessing skilled birth attendants at health facilities.

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy