The Government of India launched National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005 to address the health needs of rural population, especially the vulnerable sections of society. The Sub Centre (SC) is the most peripheral level of contact with the community under the public health infrastructure. This caters to a population norm of 5000, but is effectively serving much larger population at the SC level.
Thus, provision for new band of community based functionaries, named as Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) was made to fill this void. ASHA is the first port of call for any health related demands of the rural population, especially women and children, who find it difficult to access health services.
ASHA is volunteer health activists in the communities, who is creating awareness on health and its social determinants and mobilize the community towards local health planning and increased utilization and accountability of the existing public health services. She is a promoter of good health practices.
ASHA will be entitled for Performance Based Incentives fixed by the NRHM State HQ for prefixed activities only. The performance based incentives required to be given on monthly basis to ASHA.
The role, responsibilities, profile and compensation package for ASHA is given below.

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