Jammu: A total of 1241 ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) of NHM, J&K today appeared in NIOS Theory Examination for Certification which was conducted at all India Level.
The Theory Examination was conducted by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in all the districts of J&K in the designated Centres.
In J&K, 25% of non-certified eligible ASHAs in J&K appeared in the All India level NIOS examination today. Till date, 51% ASHAs of J&K have been certified by NIOS, which is proportionately the highest in the country.
Mission Director, NHM, Yasin Choudhary while giving details informed that the certification of ASHAs has been envisaged to provide a legal and administrative framework within which the ASHA would be eligible and responsible for providing community level care for a range of illnesses. This would enhance the competency and professional credibility of ASHAs, allow her to use a set of drugs and point of care diagnostics appropriate to that level of care and also provide an assurance to the community on the quality of services being provided by the ASHA. Above all, it would promote a sense of self recognition and worth within the ASHA, Yasin added.
He informed that at present, about 11263 ASHAs have been trained in all modules and various schemes and about 60% of these ASHAs are NIOS certified. All ASHAs engaged in the UT of J&K shall be certified in a phased manner by NIOS in a period of two years after they are trained in all training modules. Since NIOS has started 4 sessions per year, the department is targeting that 1000-1500 ASHAs get trained during every session for appearing in the All India Level ASHA Certification Examination by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to create a pool of health activists in J&K. The focus is that after 2024, no ASHA is left uncertified in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
ASHAs being engaged by NHM, J&K are working as a bridge between the Health Department and the community. All the health schemes of NHM/J&K Govt. are being implemented by ASHAs at the grass root level. ASHA is a link through which the health care needs of the people are being catered. Viewing their importance for Health care delivery at ground level, NHM has started the project of certification of all ASHAs.
ASHA certification project is a Govt. of India initiative and third party accreditation for stabilizing level of quality in ASHA & their cadres as they deal with all the National Health Programmes for Pregnant ladies, vaccinations, communicable diseases, Tuberculosis, Leprosy etc. There is a tripartite arrangement between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to undertake the process of accreditation of State & District trainers, State & District training sites and certification for ASHAs. ASHAs undergo a ten days rigorous residential training schedule at district training sites along with practical and skill tests for appearing in final theory examination for certification at All India Level.
This flagship project is very closely monitored and reviewed strictly and periodically by Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Vivek Bhardwaj and MD NHM, Choudhary Mohammed Yasin, and has a direct and active support of Chairperson, NIOS, Prof. Saroj Sharma, Director Evaluation, NIOS S. K Prasad and Regional Director, NIOS Dr. Tarun Punia.
