NIOS Targets Certification of 10 Lakh ASHA Workers After Training Programme

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has concluded a two-day national training programme for officials involved in the ASHA Certification Programme, with the next phase aiming to certify 10 lakh Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers across India.

Organised jointly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), the programme focused on strengthening the capacities of officials to ensure uniform implementation of the certification process nationwide.

Addressing the inaugural session, NIOS Director (Vocational Education) Dr. T.N. Giri said the certification programme is currently active in 22 states and three Union Territories. He reported that over 2.27 lakh ASHA workers have been enrolled, with more than 1.65 lakh already certified. 'The next phase aims to certify 10 lakh ASHA workers,' he said, adding that the initiative aligns with the vision of 'From Self-Learning to Self-Reliance' and 'Developed India, Skilled India.'

Dr. Rakesh Bohare, Senior Joint Director of the National Health Mission in Madhya Pradesh, emphasised that continuous learning and sharing of experiences are critical to the programme's success, enhancing the competence and service delivery capabilities of ASHA workers.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Neelima Mishra, Director of the National Institute of Biologicals, described ASHA workers as the frontline of India's public healthcare system. She said the certification programme would strengthen their competence and professional skills while improving healthcare delivery through a transparent digital certification platform. Calling the initiative 'a significant investment towards building a Healthy India,' she said it would contribute to improving the effectiveness of the public health system.

Presiding over the valedictory session, NIOS Chairman Prof. Akhilesh Mishra said strengthening training and ensuring quality certification of ASHA workers is an important step towards making India's primary healthcare services more effective. He appreciated the collaborative efforts of the MoHFW, NHSRC, and NIOS, expressing confidence that the initiative would become a milestone in ensuring transparent certification and quality training for ASHA workers across the country.