E-bikes rolled out for ASHA workers under Arogya Sanchari in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Health and Family Welfare Department on Tuesday distributed electric bikes to ASHA workers under the Arogya Sanchari initiative.

In the first phase, 69 e-bikes will be provided to selected Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Tumakuru, Bengaluru South (Ramanagara), areas under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, and Bengaluru Urban.

The implementing organisations have indicated plans to expand the initiative to other districts in phases.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the initiative aims to strengthen healthcare delivery in rural and peri-urban areas. “Under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, electric bikes are being provided to PHCs in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) and Healthium Medtech,” he said.

He added that the two-wheelers would help take healthcare services to people’s doorsteps. “Our vision is to ensure healthcare reaches every household, not just hospitals,” Rao said.

Highlighting the challenges faced by frontline workers, he said ASHA workers and primary health staff often struggle with transportation while covering remote villages and hamlets. “With these e-bikes, they will be able to reach people on time and provide timely care and guidance,” he said.

Helmets, water bottles and raincoats were also distributed along with the bikes.