Patna, July 18: More than 300 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) hit the streets in the capital today demanding timely and decent pay and social security benefits.

Armed with banners and placards, the workers, under the aegis of Bihar State ASHA Union (BSAU), held a protest march from the Legislative Assembly to R-Block roundabout and shouted anti-government slogans.

The workers also tried to gatecrash into the Assembly but their attempt was foiled by the police team on duty in the area.

The workers said though they played an important role in ensuring successful implementation of the central and state government’s health, social and family welfare schemes, they were served a raw deal by the government.

The activists have been demanding “respectable” wages, insurance benefits, free medical service and non-discrimination by medical officers in hospitals and primary health centres.

“It is a shame that we have to bribe officials like civil surgeons to get our wages? We are fed up with the indifferent attitude of the government and have no other option but to hit the streets to draw the attention of people sitting at the helm of affairs,” said Reeta Kumari, general secretary, BSAU.

According to sources, there are 80,000 activists in the state who often complain of harassment at the hands of health officials and clerks at the district and block levels.

The 14-point demands of the health workers include status of permanent employees, proper service conditions, payment of Rs 5,000 every month through bank accounts, suspension of medical in-charge at Bihta, clearing of outstanding dues, benefits of maternity and special leaves among others.

Earlier this year, the department had decided to open bank accounts for the activists but the lackadaisical attitude of health department officials hindered the plan.

“The department has been getting complaints that some chief medical officers are involved in corrupt practices and charge these workers every time they release their remuneration which is in the form of incentives. Hence, the department wants to open the bank accounts and pay them directly. The plan is still under process,” said a source in the health department.

“These workers, christened as social health workers, act as an intermediary between the health centres and villagers. They handle various works like overseeing the vaccination of children, institutionalised delivery, family planning and first-aid care. These health workers are appointed for every 1,000 people and are selected from the general meeting convened in every village. It is true that the government has failed to fulfil many of their pending demands which are quite genuine,” admitted a state health society official.