Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Launches Aghosh Program to Support Pregnant Women and New Mothers

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced the Aghosh program, a new welfare initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of two. This initiative is designed to promote maternal and child health, ensuring that women receive proper prenatal and postnatal care while reducing financial burdens on low-income families.

During the official launch event, the chief minister emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare for women and stated that the government is committed to improving the overall well-being of mothers and newborns. The program will also help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by encouraging regular medical check-ups and institutional deliveries.

First Phase: 13 Districts to Benefit from Aghosh Program

The Aghosh program will be rolled out in phases, starting with 13 districts in Punjab during its first phase. Women residing in the following districts will be eligible to receive financial aid:

Dera Ghazi Khan
Taunsa
Rajanpur
Layyah
Muzaffargarh
Kot Addu
Bahawalpur
Rahim Yar Khan
Bahawalnagar
Bhakkar
Mianwali
Khushab
Lodhran

The Punjab government has assured that the program will gradually expand to other districts in the province to maximize its impact and reach more women in need.

Financial Assistance and Key Benefits

Under the Aghosh program, pregnant women and new mothers will receive direct cash assistance to help them manage medical expenses and ensure proper healthcare for themselves and their newborns. The breakdown of financial benefits is as follows:

For Pregnant Women

Rs2,000 upon initial registration at a government health center.
Rs1,500 per visit for up to four antenatal check-ups, totaling Rs6,000 before childbirth.

For New Mothers and Infants

Rs4,000 for institutional delivery at a government health center.
Rs2,000 for the newborn’s first medical check-up within 15 days of birth.
Rs5,000 for registering the child’s birth certificate at a health center.
Rs4,000 for immunization, provided in two installments of Rs2,000 each.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted that this financial assistance aims to encourage pregnant women to seek proper medical care throughout their pregnancy and ensure safe childbirth at health facilities, rather than at home.

Ensuring Transparency and Accessibility

To ensure the smooth implementation of the Aghosh program, the Punjab government has put in place a transparent distribution mechanism. All payments will be processed through authorized agents at government health centers, reducing the chances of mismanagement or fraud.

The government will also monitor the program’s progress and make necessary improvements based on feedback from beneficiaries and healthcare professionals.

During the launch event, CM Maryam Nawaz also stressed that the initiative aligns with the Punjab government’s long-term vision of strengthening the public healthcare system and making it more accessible and affordable for low-income families.

How to Apply for the Aghosh Program?

Eligible women can apply for the Aghosh program by following these steps:

Visit the nearest government health center and register for the program.
Submit the required documents, including proof of pregnancy.
Attend scheduled medical check-ups to receive financial assistance at each visit.
Ensure the newborn is registered at the health center to receive postnatal benefits.

For more information and to check eligibility, applicants can visit the official website:
🔗 https://phcip.com.pk/components/aaghosh/

Alternatively, they can contact the designated helpline for further assistance.

A Step Towards Better Maternal and Child Health

The launch of the Aghosh program marks a significant step in Punjab’s healthcare sector. By offering financial incentives, the government hopes to encourage more women to seek professional medical care during pregnancy and after childbirth. This initiative is expected to benefit thousands of families, particularly those in underserved and rural areas.

With continued support from the government, healthcare professionals, and communities, the Aghosh program has the potential to bring about long-lasting improvements in maternal and infant health across Punjab.