Aaghosh Program for Pregnant Women in Punjab – Financial Aid & Maternal Health Support

 

The Aaghosh Program is a groundbreaking initiative launched by Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aimed at enhancing maternal and child health across the province. This program provides financial assistance of PKR 23,000 to pregnant women and mothers with children under two years of age, supporting their health and well-being during critical early stages of motherhood. 

Objectives of the Aaghosh Program

Financial Support: Alleviate economic burdens on pregnant and lactating women by providing direct cash assistance.

Healthcare Access: Encourage regular antenatal and postnatal visits to healthcare facilities, ensuring timely medical interventions.

Nutritional Support: Promote maternal and child nutrition through counseling and provision of supplements.

Immunization: Ensure complete immunization for children under two years to prevent common childhood diseases.

Implementation Strategy

The Aaghosh Program is being rolled out in phases, with the initial phase targeting 13 districts:

Dera Ghazi Khan

 Tunsa

Rajinpur

Leah

Muzaffargarh

Kot Adu

Bahawalpur

Rahim Yar Khan

Bahawalnagar

Bhakkar

Mianwali

Khushab

Lodhran

In these districts, pregnant women are encouraged to register at their nearest Basic Health Units (BHUs) or Rural Health Centers (RHCs) to avail themselves of the program's benefits. 

 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Aaghosh Program, applicants must:

Be residents of the targeted districts.

Be pregnant or mothers of children under two years of age.

 Register at designated health facilities and attend regular check-ups.

 Impact and Future Prospects

By the end of 2023, the Aaghosh Program enrolled over 329,255 new pregnant and lactating women, bringing the total to 454,440 beneficiaries. More than PKR 688 million has been disbursed among participants, demonstrating the government's commitment to maternal and child health. 

The program plans to expand its reach, aiming for universal coverage and increasing the cumulative cash incentive from PKR 17,000 to PKR 23,000 for beneficiaries. Additionally, services are being enhanced by upgrading 146 Basic Health Units (BHUs) to 24/7 operations and establishing malnutrition treatment centers in 155 BHUs

Conclusion

The Aaghosh Program stands as a testament to Punjab's dedication to improving maternal and child health outcomes. By providing financial assistance, promoting healthcare access, and supporting nutritional needs, the program aims to foster a healthier future for mothers and their children across the province.

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Registeration Link

Registeration Link