Health Department to digitise field-level data collection by ASHA, community health workers

The Karnataka State Health Department has announced plans to digitize field-level data collection by ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers and community health workers, aiming to enhance the precision and accessibility of health data. The initiative, known as 'Samasta', will replace the current reliance on handwritten records, which have been found to negatively impact data quality.

The digitization process involves rationalizing 485 data elements currently recorded in the ASHA diary down to 134 key data elements, eliminating repetitive entries. This change is anticipated to decrease the workload of field workers by approximately 75%. The platform, Samasta, is designed to operate both online and offline, enabling data entry even in areas with limited connectivity.

The digital system was successfully piloted in Udupi district, which registered 95% of beneficiaries, leading to notable improvements in data accuracy and operational efficiency. Following this success, the system will be rolled out across the entire state in a phased manner. The health department has emphasized the importance of comprehensive training for all personnel before implementation and has stressed the necessity of implementing robust measures to safeguard data security and confidentiality.