In a groundbreaking move to support maternal and child health, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the Aaghosh Program, offering Rs 23,000 in financial assistance to pregnant women and mothers of children under two years old. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to improve maternal healthcare, encourage regular medical check-ups, and ensure child welfare, especially in underserved and remote areas of Punjab.
Who Will Benefit from the Aaghosh Program?
The first phase of the program will be implemented in 13 districts, focusing on areas with high maternal and infant mortality rates. These include:
✅ Dera Ghazi Khan
✅ Taunsa
✅ Rajanpur
✅ Layyah
✅ Muzaffargarh
✅ Kot Addu
✅ Bahawalpur
✅ Rahim Yar Khan
✅ Bahawalnagar
✅ Bhakkar
✅ Mianwali
✅ Khushab
✅ Lodhran
The initiative prioritizes financially struggling mothers and expectant women, ensuring access to essential healthcare services without financial constraints.
How Will the Financial Assistance Be Distributed?
The Aaghosh Program offers structured financial aid at key stages of pregnancy and early motherhood:
1️⃣ Upon First Registration: A pregnant woman will receive Rs 2,000 when she registers at a health center or Maryam Health Clinic.
2️⃣ For Regular Medical Check-ups:
- Each visit to a health center earns a woman Rs 1,500, up to Rs 6,000 in total.
- This ensures consistent prenatal care, reducing pregnancy-related risks.
3️⃣ At the Time of Childbirth: A special Rs 4,000 incentive is awarded to the mother upon giving birth in a health facility.
4️⃣ Post-Birth Check-ups & Birth Certificate Registration:
- Within 15 days of birth, the newborn’s first medical check-up entitles the mother to Rs 2,000.
- Upon registering the child’s birth certificate, the family receives an additional Rs 5,000.
5️⃣ For Newborn Vaccinations:
- The government will provide Rs 2,000 per vaccination, totaling Rs 4,000, to encourage timely immunization.
Why is the Aaghosh Program Important?
The Aaghosh Program is not just about financial aid—it is a comprehensive maternal and child health initiative designed to:
Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by promoting regular medical check-ups.
Ensure safe childbirth by encouraging hospital deliveries.
Encourage vaccinations, boosting child immunity against deadly diseases.
Support economically disadvantaged mothers, enabling them to focus on their child’s health without financial stress.
How to Receive the Aid?
Women enrolled in the Aaghosh Program will receive their financial assistance through designated cash agents at government health centers. The process is designed to be easy and transparent, ensuring direct benefit delivery to deserving mothers.
Special Helpline for Guidance
To assist women with program details, registration, and healthcare services, the Punjab government has launched a dedicated toll-free helpline. Women can call the helpline for information, complaints, or guidance regarding the Aaghosh Program.
Maryam Nawaz’s Vision for Public Welfare
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that people in underprivileged and remote areas have equal rights to public resources, and the government is committed to ensuring that every mother and child receives the care they deserve.
“This program is a step towards a healthier, stronger Punjab, where every mother receives the medical attention she needs and every child gets the best start in life,” she stated.
The Aaghosh Program is a transformative initiative that reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to maternal and child welfare. By providing financial assistance, promoting healthcare access, and supporting newborn well-being, this program is set to make a long-lasting impact on the health and future of thousands of families across Punjab.
If successfully implemented and expanded, Aaghosh could become a model for maternal and child healthcare programs across Pakistan. This is more than just aid—it’s an investment in the future of Punjab!
