Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha Government announced one-time assistance of Rs 10,000 to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) under ‘Swasthya Sahaya’ to improve their functional efficiency for effective Covid management and facilitating non-Covid essential healthcare services in rural areas and urban slums.
According to the official reports, Additional Chief Secretary Health & Family Welfare PK Mohapatra has written a letter to all Collectors, Municipal Commissioners and Chief Medical Officer & Public Health Officers (CDM&PHOs)-cum-District Mission Directors.
In the letter, he stated- “I am to inform that as per the announcement made by the Chief Minister on May 17, it has been decided to provide one-time assistance of Rs 10,000 to each ASHA under Swasthya Sahaya (State Budget) to enable them to undertake various activities for effective management of Covid and facilitating non-Covid essential healthcare services at the community level both in rural areas and urban slums.”
The letter also stated that ASHA may utilize the assistance amount for purchase of bicycle if not purchased earlier or damaged; umbrella, torch, chappal, water bottle, carry bag; mask, sanitiser, soaps, gloves, face shield, thermal scanner, helmet; mini battery operated mike; and conveyance (POL/repairing of cycle etc.
The letter further says that the assistance amount may be paid to each ASHA based on self-certification in the prescribed format duly signed by ASHA, mentioning that she has utilized the assistance amount towards any/all of the said purposes.
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