The Punjab government has launched the Aghosh program in 2025 to support mothers and pregnant women in underprivileged areas. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance and healthcare services to ensure the well-being of both mothers and their newborns. Through this program, the government will offer up to Rs 23,000 in financial help, as well as free medical care. This article will provide an overview of the Aghosh program, including its objectives, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply for it.
| Key Detail | Information |
| Total Financial Aid | Rs 23,000 for mothers and pregnant women |
| Eligible Areas | 13 districts in Punjab |
| Registration Benefit | Rs 2,000 upon first registration |
| Additional Benefits | Financial aid for check-ups, birth registration, and immunization |
Overview of the Aghosh Program
The Aghosh program was introduced to address the challenges faced by pregnant women and mothers in Punjab, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas. The program aims to provide both financial and healthcare support to ensure the health and safety of mothers and children. By offering financial assistance, the program helps families cover medical costs related to pregnancy, childbirth, and child health. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and promote a healthier future for both mothers and their children.
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Objectives of the Aghosh Program
The Aghosh program has several important objectives aimed at improving maternal and child health:
- Financial Assistance: The program provides financial support to pregnant and lactating women to cover healthcare costs.
- Hospital-Based Deliveries: It encourages deliveries at government health centers to reduce risks associated with home births.
- Regular Check-Ups: The program ensures that pregnant women receive regular antenatal and postnatal check-ups.
- Child Immunization: It promotes the vaccination of children to prevent life-threatening diseases and ensure early health monitoring.
- Awareness Campaigns: The program also raises awareness about nutrition, hygiene, and family planning among women in rural areas.
Eligibility and How to Register for the Aghosh Program
To apply for the Aghosh program, women must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Target Group: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and mothers of children up to two years old.
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must live in one of the 13 eligible districts of Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, and Dera Ghazi Khan, among others.
- Documents Needed: Applicants must present a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and provide medical proof of pregnancy, lactation, or the child’s birth certificate.
- Registration Process: To register, women must visit a health facility in their area, consult a healthcare worker, submit necessary documents, and complete their registration using the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
See also: Honhaar Scholarship update
Financial Assistance Breakdown
The Aghosh program provides financial support to women in several phases to ensure ongoing healthcare for both mothers and children. The financial aid is as follows:
- Initial Registration: Rs 2,000 is provided to pregnant women upon registration at a government health facility.
- Antenatal Check-Ups: Women will receive Rs 1,500 for each of the four key antenatal check-ups during pregnancy (3rd, 6th, 7th, and 9th months), totaling Rs 6,000.
- Delivery Assistance: Women who give birth at a government hospital or health center will receive Rs 4,000.
- Newborn and Postnatal Care: The program offers Rs 2,000 for the newborn’s first check-up within 15 days of birth, and an additional Rs 4,000 for vaccination support.
- Birth Registration: A payment of Rs 5,000 is provided for registering the child’s birth certificate with NADRA.
Key Benefits of the Aghosh Program
The Aghosh program provides a range of benefits aimed at improving the health and well-being of both mothers and children in Punjab. Some of the key benefits include:
- Health Monitoring: The program ensures that both mothers and children receive regular medical check-ups during and after pregnancy, helping detect potential health issues early.
- Financial Assistance: The program reduces financial barriers by offering monetary help for medical expenses, making healthcare more accessible to low-income families.
- Encouraging Safe Deliveries: By promoting deliveries at government health centers, the program helps reduce the risks associated with home births.
- Educational Support: Women are educated on topics like maternal health, hygiene, and family planning, helping them make informed decisions about their health and family.
How to Resolve Issues and Get Support
In case of any issues during the registration process or delays in receiving financial assistance, beneficiaries can seek help through their local health facilities or the program helpline. Local health workers are available to guide women through the registration and application process. Additionally, the government has set up a toll-free helpline to address any questions or concerns regarding the program, ensuring that every eligible woman receives the support she needs.
Conclusion
In this article, we are sharing all the details about the Aghosh program, an initiative by the Punjab government that provides financial and healthcare support to pregnant women and mothers. This program aims to improve maternal and child health by offering financial assistance for medical check-ups, delivery, and immunization. Women in eligible districts can apply for the program by registering at designated health facilities, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support during pregnancy and after childbirth.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for the Aghosh program if I live in a city outside the 13 eligible districts?
No, the program is only available to women living in one of the 13 selected districts of Punjab.
2. How can I contact the Aghosh program if I face any issues?
You can contact your local health facility or call the program helpline for assistance.
3. Is the Aghosh program available for women who have already given birth?
Yes, the program provides financial assistance for mothers of children up to two years old.
4. What documents are required to register for the Aghosh program?
You need a valid CNIC, proof of pregnancy or lactation, or a child’s birth certificate to register.