17 Asha workers sacked for ‘diverting deliveries to pvt hospitals for commission’

Meerut: The health department in Hapur on Thursday initiated action against 17 Asha workers for allegedly failing to facilitate even a single delivery at a govt hospital over a nine-month period -- from April to Dec last year -- and instead directing patients to private hospitals in exchange for commission. Officials said that their services are being terminated and an investigation has been launched, with directions issued to promote deliveries only at govt hospitals."Complaints were received against 102 Asha workers alleging negligence of duty and failure to facilitate institutional deliveries at govt hospitals over an extended period. It was difficult to believe that no deliveries occurred in their respective areas for such a long duration, raising concerns that pregnant women may have been diverted to private hospitals or other non-govt facilities," said Dr Sunil Tyagi, chief medical officer (CMO), Hapur.He added, "Following an inquiry, 17 Asha workers were found guilty of negligence. We have decided to terminate their services, while action against the remaining 85 workers will be taken after further verification."According to health department officials, preliminary findings point to collusion between some Asha workers and private healthcare providers. It is alleged that pregnant women were often misled into believing that govt hospitals "lacked adequate facilities" or that their condition was "critical" and required immediate admission to private hospitals for "better treatment".Officials said such claims were used to exploit patients' fears, particularly in emergency-like situations, in return for hefty commissions from private hospitals and nursing homes. "For a delivery at a govt hospital, an Asha worker gets Rs 600. However, the commission can range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 if a patient is taken to a private hospital. Ambulances belonging to private hospitals are frequently seen parked near govt hospitals. The nexus appears to be extensive. A detailed investigation is underway," a senior health department officer privy to the matter said.A 28-year-old labourer from Hapur, who spoke to TOI on condition of anonymity, said an Asha worker forced him to take his wife to a private hospital for delivery, where he was billed nearly Rs 50,000. "She frightened us by saying my wife's life and our unborn child were in danger. The worker claimed the umbilical cord was entangled and warned that a delivery at a govt hospital could kill both the mother and the baby. We were terrified. What choice did I have?" he said.He added, "I earn just enough to feed my family. To save my wife and child, I borrowed money and sold whatever little we had. Later, we were told the delivery was normal. If the govt hospital was safe, why were we misled?"Several patients have also lodged complaints alleging that Asha workers demanded amounts ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 for providing pre- and post-delivery care at govt hospitals. According to the complainants, failure to pay these sums often resulted in neglect or denial of essential support and follow-up services."Linking pregnant women with govt health services and ensuring safe institutional deliveries at govt hospitals is the primary responsibility of Asha workers. We have issued clear directions to promote deliveries exclusively at govt facilities, except in cases of extreme emergency. An inquiry is underway, and strict action will be taken against any other staff members found involved in these lapses," the CMO said.