ASHAs, India’s frontline health workers, go on indefinite strike in two states

A.R. Sindhu, National Secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions explains why ASHAs are important to India’s health system and why they are on strike.

June 21, 2021 by Peoples Dispatch

Tens of thousands of ASHA workers, India’s frontline health workers, are on indefinite strike in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) perform door to door delivery of critical health services to the poor and marginalised. Their work has been critical in responding to the COVID crisis. A.R. Sindhu, National Secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions explains why ASHAs are important to India’s health system and why they are on strike.