Chawla was addressing a function organized to present accreditation letters to 987 newly appointed ASHAs in Ludhiana, at Nehru Sidhant Kendra today.

The minister said that there will be one activist for 1,000 persons, and equipped with special medical kits. The activists will be given short- term training for diagnose and to provide first hand care under different health schemes.

She said that these activists will be responsible for implementing various health services and programmes including registration of pregnancy, to check female foeticide, to ensure delivery in government hospitals, immunization of children, family planning operations, TB treatment, check on sale of drugs/intoxicants, anti adulteration drive etc. in their respective areas.

Prof Chawla said that though these activists will not be paid any fixed salary by the government, they will get handsome incentives for the implementation of 19 health-related services to the people in their areas. She said these activists will ensure compulsory registration of each pregnant women in her area with the ANM/ Health centre.

The activists will also carry out follow up of each and every pregnancy and will remain present along side the patient at the time of delivery and later on look up for the treatment and welfare of mother and child. She said that the Health Department is running about 5,000 hospitals/health centers in the state, and the posts of doctors in the Health Centers being run by Zila Parishads have been filled.

The Minister added that with the strict vigilance by the department on the Ultra Sound Centers, the female feticide cases have been drastically reduced and the count of females have increased from 798 to 818 female per 1000 males in state.

Dr Chawla also announced that special cash awards of Rs 1,100 will be given to the person, who will provide information of a chemist illegally selling drugs being used as intoxicants, and Rs 2,100 for information about spurious khoya sale.

Speaking on the occasion, T R Sarangal, Secretary Health Department and Director NRHM, said that with the appointment of 15000 such activists in the whole state, the health facilities for women and children will be substantially improved, and infant morality will be reduced.