ASHA workers on Covid-19 duty in DK continue to be under constant threat

Kevin Mendonsa | TNN | Apr 15, 2020, 04:15 IST

Mangaluru: Two weeks ago, 48-year-old ASHA worker Tulasi was manhandled and threatened while inquiring about the health status of home-quarantined people in Amtady. She is not alone; several Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in Dakshina Kannada continue to be under constant threat while carrying out duties in the fight to contain Covid-19. So far, the district has registered three such cases.
These unsung heroes, who get a paltry pay, put their health at risk while visiting remote villages for surveillance work. Yet, they are humiliated abused, assaulted and threatened. An official said: “ASHA workers visit each household and conduct survey in cities, towns and remote villages. They collect information about people suffering from fever, cold, headache, sore throat or any other symptoms related to coronavirus. They also upload the collected information online through a mobile application and inform officials about individuals needing urgent medical attention.”
Based on their survey, higher officials take further decisions. “However, it is sad that people have not recognised their sacrifice,” the official added.
While a few such incidents are reported, several attacks go unreported, said a source. An ASHA worker said her family is dissuading her from visiting households for field surveillance over fears of infection. “Worried about infection, my family members have been asking me to stop going to field visits, but I have convinced them to allow me to work. Our help is crucial to government to contain the spread of Covid-19,” she said.
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Quote
While everyone is staying home during the lockdown, they (ASHA workers) move around to collect information. We must respect their sacrifices and not obstruct them from discharging their duties
Dr Ramachandra Bayari, DHO, DK
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Timeline
Attacks on ASHA workers
April 2: ASHA worker abused in Kariyangala
April 3: Bantwal Town police book Marappa Poojary and Umesh, residents of Amtady, for threatening an ASHA worker
April 11: Police book Ismail, 45, and Ashraf, 32, residents of Malluru Badriya Nagar, for obstructing and threatening to kill an ASHA worker.
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2nd story/box
Anganwadi worker assaulted by youths
TNN
Davanagere: An anganwadi worker in Bidaralli tanda in Davanagere district was allegedly assaulted by youths while collecting information about the health condition of people in the neighbourhood. Shashikala Bayi has been admitted to Honnali taluk government hospital. According to her complaint, while on duty two days ago she spotted a group of youths wandering the streets and asked them to stay at home. Enraged, they assaulted her and tore her clothes before fleeing the spot. Honnali circle inspector Devaraj TV said six people have been booked and will be arrested soon.
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3rd story/box
PDO attacked by mob while conducting awareness drive
Times News Network
Bagalkot: A panchayat development officer (PDO) was assaulted by a mob while conducting a coronavirus awareness drive at Mudhol taluk on Tuesday.
Vijayakumar, a PDO at the Dadanatti gram panchayat, was attacked by a group led by Ravi Chichakhandi while visiting households and briefing them about the precautionary measures to be taken against the pandemic.
“Mudhol police has booked a case and Ravi Chichakhandi has been arrested. Investigation is on,” said SP Lokesh Jagalasar.