Karnataka’s Samasta platform to digitise ASHA workers’ data, reduce workload by 75%
The Karnataka State Health Department has ordered the rollout of ‘Samasta’, a digital platform designed for field-level data collection by ASHA workers and community health workers. The initiative aims to improve the accuracy, accessibility, and timeliness of health data across the State.
The department noted that the continued reliance on handwritten records at the grassroots level has affected the quality of data. Although data under various national health programmes is already collected through separate portals, field-level information is still largely recorded manually. This has led to inconsistencies, delays, and difficulty in analysing the data for decision-making.
Under the new system, data will be digitised at the point of collection itself, eliminating the need for later entry or transcription. The ASHA diary, which currently contains 485 data elements, has been rationalised to 134 key elements by removing repetitive entries. According to the Health Department, this is expected to reduce the workload of field workers by about 75%, allowing them to spend more time on direct community care.
One of the key features of Samasta is its ability to function in both online and offline modes. This ensures that data can be entered even in areas with limited internet connectivity. Once connectivity is restored, the data can be synchronised with the central server, ensuring uninterrupted reporting.
The platform was initially piloted in Udupi district, where 95% of beneficiaries have been registered. The department stated that the pilot demonstrated significant improvement in data accuracy and operational efficiency. Based on the pilot’s success, the system will now be introduced across the State in a phased manner.
The order from the Health Department has directed that all personnel be provided with the necessary training before implementation. It has also stressed the need to put in place appropriate measures to ensure data security and confidentiality while using the platform. Officials have been instructed to implement the Samasta digital system in phases across Karnataka, with due attention to capacity building and data protection.
The move is seen as a step towards strengthening the health information system in the State, enabling better monitoring of health programmes and more responsive policy-making. By digitising at the source, the government aims to reduce errors, speed up reporting, and ensure that health interventions reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.
