Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Launches Unique ‘Aghosh’ Program to Support Mothers and Children
Lahore, Pakistan:Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the first-ever and unique ‘Aghosh’ program has officially been launched. The program, designed to support mothers and pregnant women, will provide financial assistance of 23,000 rupees to women with children under two years of age. In its initial phase, the program will offer aid to mothers of newborns and pregnant women in 13 districts of Punjab.
The ‘Aghosh’ program will be implemented in districts including Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Rajanpur, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Khushab, and Lodhran.
### How Will the ‘Aghosh’ Program Work?
Under the program, a pregnant woman will receive 2,000 rupees upon her first registration at a health center or Maryam Health Clinic. She will also receive continued financial assistance for regular medical checkups until the birth of her child. After receiving free medical examination at the health centers, the aid can be collected from the ‘Aghosh’ program’s cash agents.
Pregnant women will receive 1,500 rupees for each health visit, with a total of 6,000 rupees available. Upon the birth of the child at the health center, a gift of 4,000 rupees will be provided. Additionally, 2,000 rupees will be given during the first medical checkup within 15 days of the birth. The registration of the birth certificate at the health center will also provide a further 5,000 rupees.
For newborns, the program will offer 4,000 rupees for immunization, with 2,000 rupees provided for each subsequent vaccination.
### Special Helpline for Women
In line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s instructions, a toll-free helpline (1221) has been activated to guide women and provide them with necessary information about the program.
### CM Maryam Nawaz’s Statement
Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that health and treatment are fundamental rights for every mother and child. “The government will fulfill its duty to ensure access to healthcare for all, especially in remote and underprivileged areas,” she said. She also expressed that seeing mothers and children suffering from illness in hospitals is deeply distressing.
She further added, “A healthy mother is the foundation of a healthy family. Along with providing healthcare, we are also offering financial assistance to women in backward areas. The ‘Aghosh’ program will ensure that not only the mother but also the child will start life with good health.”
The initiative aims to ensure that women in rural and underserved areas receive not only medical care but also financial support to ensure the health and well-being of both mothers and their children.
