The Punjab government has launched the Aghosh Program, a major initiative aimed at improving maternal and child health among underprivileged families.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the programme provides phased financial assistance of up to Rs23,000 to pregnant and lactating women, as well as mothers of children up to two years of age, across 13 districts in the province.
Objectives of the Aghosh Program
The Aghosh Program is designed to address critical maternal and child health challenges in Punjab’s rural and underdeveloped regions. The key objectives include:
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- Providing financial aid to pregnant and lactating women to cover health-related expenses rn
- Encouraging hospital-based deliveries to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates rn
- Ensuring regular antenatal check-ups and postnatal care rn
- Promoting child immunization and early health monitoring rn
- Raising awareness about nutrition, hygiene, and family planning rn
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for financial assistance under the Aghosh Program, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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- Target Group: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and mothers of children up to two years old rn
- Residency: Applicants must reside in one of the 13 selected districts of Punjab rn
- Identification: A valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) is mandatory rn
- Medical Documentation: Proof of pregnancy, lactation, or a child’s birth certificate is required rn
How to Apply
Women seeking to benefit from the program must register in person at designated health facilities across Punjab. Here’s how:
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- Visit a Health Facility: Go to the nearest Basic Health Unit (BHU), Rural Health Center (RHC), or District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in your district. rn
- Consult a Health Worker: Approach a Lady Health Visitor (LHV) or another authorized healthcare provider. rn
- Submit Required Documents: Provide a valid CNIC, proof of residence, and maternity records. rn
- Electronic Registration: The health worker will register you using the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. rn
- Receive Confirmation: Upon successful registration, you will be notified of the next steps via SMS or in-person communication. rn
Financial Assistance Details
The Aghosh Program provides financial aid in phases to ensure continuous medical care for both mothers and infants. The breakdown is as follows:
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- Registration: Rs2,000 upon initial registration rn
- Antenatal Check-ups: Rs1,500 for each scheduled check-up during the 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 9th months of pregnancy (total Rs6,000) rn
- Delivery at a Government Health Facility: Rs4,000 rn
- Postnatal and Newborn Care: Rs2,000 for the newborn’s first check-up and Rs2,000 each for the first and second measles vaccinations (total Rs4,000) rn
- Birth Registration: Rs5,000 for registering the child’s birth certificate rn
Benefits of the Aghosh Program
The initiative aims to alleviate financial barriers and promote better healthcare access among vulnerable communities. Some of the key benefits include:
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- Regular health monitoring for both mother and child rn
- Financial assistance to cover pregnancy and childcare-related expenses rn
- Encouragement of hospital-based deliveries to reduce risks rn
- Awareness and education on maternal health, hygiene, and nutrition rn
Complaint and Helpline Assistance
In case of registration issues or payment delays, beneficiaries can seek help through:
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- Local Health Facility: Visit the registration center where you applied rn
- Program Helpline: Contact the designated health department for complaints and inquiries rn
