NIOS ASHA Certification Programme Targets 10 Lakh Workers
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has concluded a two-day national training programme for the ASHA Certification Programme, aiming to certify 10 lakh ASHA workers in the next phase. This initiative is significant for strengthening India's frontline healthcare workforce and improving public health delivery.
Background
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are community health volunteers under the National Health Mission. The certification programme, run by NIOS in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NHSRC, seeks to formally certify their skills and enhance their professional competence.
Key facts
NIOS concluded a two-day national training programme for officials under the ASHA Certification Programme.
The programme was jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC).
Over 2.27 lakh ASHA workers have been enrolled in the certification programme so far.
More than 1.65 lakh ASHA workers have already been certified.
The next phase aims to certify 10 lakh ASHA workers across the country.
The programme is currently implemented in 22 states and 3 Union Territories.
The initiative aligns with the vision 'From Self-Learning to Self-Reliance' and 'Developed India, Skilled India'.
The certification uses a transparent digital platform to improve healthcare delivery quality.
Prelims pointers
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
- National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC)
- National Health Mission (NHM)
- 22 states and 3 UTs currently covered
- Target: certify 10 lakh ASHA workers in next phase
Mains angles
- Role of ASHA workers in India's public healthcare system and the impact of certification on service delivery.
- Government initiatives for skill development and recognition of community health workers.
- Challenges in scaling up certification programmes across diverse states and UTs.