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The Rural Organisation for Poverty Eradication Services (ROPES) on Tuesday conducted the ’ASHA Workers Day’, highlighting the importance of health awareness and community outreach programmes, at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Thumbakuppam village of Bangarupalem mandal. Nearly 1,000 ASHA workers and ANMs, medical and paramedical staff took part in the programme. ROPES Chairman K. Dhanasekharan called for the need to extensively promote education, health, and social and economic development among underprivileged communities, particularly in rural areas. He said that maternal and child health were to be prioritised through awareness on the first 1,000 days of baby care and nutrition, and by extending preventive healthcare services to rural households. Meanwhile, ROPES General Manager Paul Raj said that the focus was on empowering women and children in backward regions through continuous awareness and service programmes. He said that collective participation from health workers and local communities would be crucial for eradicating preventable diseases. Medical Officer (Thumbakuppam PHC) Dr. Lohith Chengalrayon underscored the importance of preventive care amid changing weather conditions that could trigger seasonal fevers. He urged ANMs and ASHA workers to take up proactive awareness campaigns on hygiene, family planning, and child marriage prevention.
