Health Department to digitise field-level data collection by ASHA, community health workers - The HinduPublished - August 14, 2026 12:59 am IST - BengaluruThe State Health Department has ordered the rollout of ‘Samasta’, a digital platform for field-level data collection by ASHA workers and community health workers, with the aim of improving the accuracy and availability of health data.The department has said that the volume of handwritten records has affected the accuracy, accessibility and analysis of the data.Although data under various national health programmes is already collected through separate portals, the continued reliance on handwritten records at the field level has affected data quality. The new system seeks to digitise information at the point of collection itself.485 data elementsUnder Samasta, the 485 data elements currently recorded in the ASHA diary have been rationalised to 134 key data elements, with repetitive entries removed. This is expected to reduce the workload of field workers by about 75%, according to the department.The platform can function in both online and offline modes, allowing data to be entered even in areas with limited connectivity.Pilot in Udupi districtSamasta was initially piloted in Udupi district, where 95% of beneficiaries have been registered. The department said the pilot had shown significant improvement in data accuracy and operational efficiency.Based on the experience of the pilot, the system will now be introduced across the State in a phased manner. The department has directed that all personnel be provided with the necessary training before implementation.The order has also stressed the need to put in place appropriate measures to ensure data security and confidentiality while using the platform.The department has instructed officials to train all personnel concerned and implement the Samasta digital system in phases across Karnataka.Published - August 14, 2026 12:59 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }