With ASHA workers reportedly going on a strike from Tuesday to protest against insufficient honorarium (Rs 200) to conduct the 15-day survey for early detection of cancer patients, the state government will find it difficult to find the survey. 
As soon as higher officials got wind of the boycott plan, directives were issued to civil surgeons to deploy ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) for the survey. However, there is already a shortage of ANMs with the local health department.

District president of Asha Workers and facilitators association, Shankuntla Devi, reiterated that Rs. 2,00 must be given for their services.

"There are 756 health workers, including 536 ASHA workers and 28 facilitators in Nawanshahr, who have been deployed for the survey. If ASHA workers do not participate, the survey is bound to be impacted as there will be severe shortage of hands," said civil surgeon Dr Amarjeet Kaur.

She said that the district had a population of 6,38,694 including 99,155 residents in the urban areas.

She added that such issues should have been settled before hand to prevent such controversy dogging the project.

Data of health workers deputed for the survey
ASHA workers - 536
Facilitators - 28
ANMs- 139
Sanitary inspectors- 20
Woman health workers -23
Nursing students - 70
Source - civil surgeon office