Resource Type: Case Studies
Authors: Health Finance and Governance (HFG)
Published: 10/31/2015

Resource Description:

This case study is one of 14 case studies profiled in the Mobile Money for Health Case Study Compendium.

The ASHA program was conceived and funded by the Indian National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) in an effort to promote public health awareness amongst local, rural populations, and increase the utilization and accountability of existing health services. ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) are trained female community health workers who serve as the primary point of contact for many marginalized members of the Indian population, particularly women and children. They receive basic public health training and are equipped with a standard drug kit, which allows them to deliver first-contact healthcare. Typically, ASHAs are engaged in promoting community health activities between 20 and 25 days out of each month. In return, they receive performance-based incentives for promoting universal immunization, referral and escort services for reproductive and child health and other healthcare programs, and facilitation of delivery at primary health centers.