Is the Pending Honorarium for ASHA Volunteers Finally Being Processed?

Mumbai, July 17 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced in the state assembly that the long-awaited process for the honorarium of ASHA volunteers and group promoters has commenced.

He clarified that the honorarium for these volunteers is funded by both the Central and State governments.

The delay in payment was attributed to the non-receipt of funds from the Central government. However, he stated, “The funds have now been received, and the distribution of the honorarium is currently in progress,” in response to a question from member Nana Patole.

Abitkar emphasized that the state's honorarium is consistently paid. He noted that since January 2025, funds from the Central government had been pending, which caused the delay in distribution. “On June 4, 2025, we received the necessary funds from the Central government, and the process to distribute the overdue honorarium is now underway,” he added, confirming that financial provisions are in place.

In response to another inquiry from member Abhijit Patil, Minister Abitkar revealed that the public health department has devised a time-sensitive plan to offer accommodation facilities alongside hospitals for doctors and health service employees across the state.

Abitkar insisted that regular attendance is now mandatory for all hospital staff, with biometric attendance being implemented. “It is essential for doctors and staff to be present for service,” he stated.

He further noted, “Registration of all activities is compulsory, and any irregularities will lead to inquiries and strict actions against those involved.” He mentioned the dilapidated state of the main and staff accommodation buildings at the Manegaon Primary Health Centre in Madha taluka, indicating that a structural audit has been conducted. Following this, measures will be taken to deregister the existing buildings after receiving a certificate from the Divisional Superintendent Engineer. Once deregistration occurs, plans for new construction will commence.

In addressing a question from member Rajkumar Badole concerning enhancements to health services, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif voiced the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services in Gondia District Hospital and throughout Maharashtra.

Mushrif assured that the government is working swiftly to provide essential medical equipment, including sonography and dialysis machines, to the Gondia hospital.

Moreover, “Immediate steps are being taken to ensure the supply of blood components for thalassemia and sickle cell patients,” he stated. The Gangabai Blood Bank is operational at the Gondia Government Medical College, but the blood component separation machine is currently out of service. The license for this machine requires a joint inspection by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the state government’s FDA department, scheduled for July 1, 2025. A new government medical college in Gondia has been approved, and moving forward, the dean will oversee operations rather than the district surgeon.