Shortage of Gynecologist at Payal Hospital; ASHA Workers Raise Concerns

ASHA workers and facilitators in the Payal block of Ludhiana district raised serious concerns over the lack of a gynecologist at Payal Hospital and other workplace issues. The workers, under the Panjola Group union, also announced a boycott of duties related to transporting vaccination supplies for maternal and child immunization. A delegation led by Kiran Deep Kaur Panjola (Punjab President), Kamaljit Kaur (District President Ludhiana), Neetu Bala (Senior Vice President), and Bholi Malerkotla, along with other ASHA workers and facilitators, visited the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Payal. They submitted a memorandum to Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr. Harvinder Singh, outlining their demands and concerns. The workers stated that they would not carry out the task of bringing and dispatching vaccines, arguing that such responsibilities fall outside their designated duties. They emphasized the need for better working conditions and appropriate role allocation. Responding to the concerns, SMO Dr. Harvinder Singh assured the delegation that no ASHA worker or facilitator would be forced to transport vaccines. He also promised that a dedicated room equipped with necessary facilities would soon be arranged at CHC Payal for their convenience. Additionally, he assured that all pending issues of ASHA workers and facilitators would be addressed promptly. This includes timely payment of incentives related to tuberculosis patient care, Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), and uniform allowances. He further assured that identity cards for workers who have not yet received them would be issued soon. Following these assurances, the ASHA workers expressed their gratitude to the SMO. Several workers, including Jaswinder Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, Karamjit Kaur, Harjit Kaur, Neelam Rani, Kulwant Kaur, Jasveer Kaur, Hardeep Kaur, Baljit Kaur, Charanjit Kaur, Sarabjit Kaur, Sumanjit Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Kiranjit Kaur, Meena Rani, Sinderpal, Harjinder Kaur, and others, were present during the meeting.