New Delhi, 06 October (H.S.): Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday launched several health-sector initiatives under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at the ASHA Sammelan, while announcing an increase in the monthly incentive for ASHA workers from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000. They also launched the expansion of the ANMOL initiative, a SOTTO centre at G.B. Pant Hospital, and the Nursing Home Management System portal. The programme was held at Thyagraj Stadium and was attended by Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh.

On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that healthy citizens are the foundation of a developed and empowered Delhi. He said the health initiatives launched under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan are aimed at further strengthening Delhi’s healthcare system through a combination of modern technology, effective public health systems and a human-centric approach.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu said ASHA workers play a crucial role on the front lines of the healthcare system by taking health services and awareness programmes to pregnant women, children and families. Increasing their monthly incentive from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000, he said, is a mark of respect for their contribution and dedication.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu also appreciated the ANMOL initiative for the early identification of health conditions among newborns and timely treatment, as well as the newly established SOTTO centre at G.B. Pant Hospital, describing both as significant steps towards strengthening the organ donation and transplantation system.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu said the Nursing Home Management System portal has made processes such as registration and renewal online and transparent. This, he said, would simplify procedures, reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles and improve monitoring.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said organ donation is not merely a medical procedure but a symbol of humanity, compassion and respect for life. The organs of a person who has died can give a new lease of life to someone in need, she said.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to the people of Delhi to raise awareness about organ and body donation and said she herself had registered for body donation through the SOTTO portal.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to ASHA workers to take the message of organ donation to families and senior citizens and to provide interested people with information about the relevant procedures. She said one person’s resolve to donate could become a source of new hope and a new beginning in another person’s life.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the role of ASHA workers would be crucial to the success of these initiatives. She expressed confidence that Delhi’s ASHA workers would reach every family like elder sisters, spread awareness about healthcare schemes and encourage people to avail themselves of the benefits.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that when the government, healthcare workers and citizens work together, Delhi’s healthcare system would become even stronger.

Paying tribute to the spirit of service and dedication of ASHA workers, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said it is the government’s responsibility to care for the welfare and honour of those who work tirelessly for the health of Delhi’s families.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that, in recognition of the dedication and unwavering service of 6,690 ASHA workers who take healthcare services to people’s doorsteps across Delhi, the Delhi Government had increased their monthly incentive from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also felicitated ASHA workers who had performed outstandingly and announced that a special Dandiya programme would be organised for them during the forthcoming Navratri celebrations.

Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said that increasing the incentive for 6,690 ASHA workers from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000, expanding Mission ANMOL, launching the Nursing Home Management System portal and inaugurating SOTTO at G.B. Pant Hospital were important steps towards establishing a people-centric and technology-enabled healthcare system in Delhi.

Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said the issue of increasing the incentive for ASHA workers had remained pending for nearly a decade. Even during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, these workers continued to serve with complete dedication, but adequate steps were not taken to recognise and incentivise their contribution. The present government, he said, had addressed the long-pending issue and honoured their contribution.

Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said that under Mission ANMOL, newborns are being screened within 24 to 72 hours of birth for 63 types of congenital health conditions. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to taking the message of “organ donation is the greatest donation” to every section of society and increasing awareness about organ donation.

Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said the government’s objective was not merely to make announcements, but to ensure action, tangible results and positive changes in the lives of the people of Delhi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar