Meghalaya govt hikes incentives for ASHAs

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has decided to increase the fixed incentive of accredited social health activists (ASHAs) from the existing Rs 2,000 to Rs 3000, under the new Community-based Health Incentive scheme for ASHA.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh with senior state officials and functionaries of the Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union at the main secretariat here on Wednesday. The health minister informed that the state is spending about Rs 17 crore annually on fixed incentives at the rate of Rs 2,000 per month on the honorarium given to the ASHAs in addition to around Rs 22 to Rs 23 crore annual spending from NHM as performance-based incentives.

Anurag Thakur announces new incentive scheme to attract more foreign filmmakers to shoot in India

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, has announced new incentives to attract foreign filmmakers to shoot in India. The incentives include a reimbursement of up to 30 percent of expenses incurred in India, capped at Rs 2.5 crore. Additionally, there will be an increase in the maximum incentive to up to 40 percent of expenditure, with a limit of Rs 30 crore. An additional 5 percent bonus will be provided for Significant Indian Content (SIC). These measures aim to make India a preferred shooting destination for international film projects.

Centre should release Rs 621 crore under NHM, 'mohalla clinic' a state initiative: Punjab health minister

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh has requested the release of Rs 621 crore in National Health Mission funds from the central government. The funds have not been received since December 2022, leading to accusations that the government is withholding funds. The central government denies this, stating that the Punjab government is converting their Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres into 'mohalla clinics'. Singh argues that the 'Aam Aadmi Clinics' should be considered a state initiative and not mixed with the Centre's scheme. The Punjab government has received recognition for their healthcare model and delegates from 40 countries are interested in visiting Punjab to study it. Singh also stated that there is no shortage of funds for healthcare facilities and plans to open more 'Aam Aadmi Clinics' and upgrade existing hospitals.

Organ donations and awareness have increased since announcement of state honours: TN health minister

The Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu has received organ donations from at least one person every two days since September, following the announcement of state honors for deceased donors. In the last 55 days alone, there have been 26 donations in the state. The increase in awareness about organ donation has resulted in more people pledging their organs online, offering hope to the over 7,000 individuals on the waiting list for organ transplants in Tamil Nadu.

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