UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 26 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2012 question on ASHA Health Worker Roles

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

1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkup.

2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy.

3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization.

4. Conducting the delivery of baby.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1, 2 and 3 only

Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct because ASHA facilitates health services and awareness, while she does not conduct childbirth herself.

Analysis

ASHA stands for Accredited Social Health Activist. She acts as a link between the community and the public health system, especially for maternal and child health services.

Statement by statement

1. Accompanying women to health facilities — Correct

ASHA helps pregnant women access antenatal care and institutional delivery services.

She may accompany or facilitate women going to health facilities for check-ups and delivery.

2. Using pregnancy test kits — Correct

ASHAs are provided pregnancy detection kits such as Nishchay kits.

This helps in early detection and registration of pregnancy for timely maternal health care.

3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization — Correct

ASHA works as a community-level health educator.

She spreads awareness about nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, breastfeeding and timely immunization of children.

4. Conducting the delivery of baby — Incorrect

ASHA is not a trained doctor, nurse or skilled birth attendant.

Her role is to promote and facilitate institutional delivery, while actual delivery is conducted by trained personnel such as ANMs, nurses or doctors.

Extra UPSC info

* ASHA scheme was launched under the National Rural Health Mission in 2005.

* ASHA is usually a woman resident of the village.

* She is a community health volunteer and receives performance-based incentives.

* She supports schemes related to maternal health, child immunization and family welfare.

* ASHAs played an important role in COVID-19 surveillance and awareness.

* ASHAs received the WHO Global Health Leaders Award in 2022.

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