The Punjab government has introduced the Aghosh Program, a special initiative to help pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
This program provides financial support to ensure safe pregnancies, better healthcare, and proper vaccinations for children.
What is the Aghosh Program?
The Aghosh Program is designed to improve the health of mothers and children in Punjab, especially in underprivileged areas. Under this scheme, eligible women can receive up to Rs. 23,000 in financial aid to cover medical expenses and child care.
Read More: Punjab Govt Launches Aghosh Program to Support Expecting Mothers
Goals of the Aghosh Program
- Help pregnant women and new mothers with financial support.
- Encourage hospital-based deliveries for safe childbirth.
- Ensure proper medical check-ups before and after childbirth.
- Promote vaccinations for newborns to keep them healthy.
- Educate women about nutrition, hygiene, and family planning.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Women can apply for the Aghosh Program if they meet these conditions:
- Must be pregnant or a mother of a child up to 2 years old.
- Must live in one of the 13 selected districts of Punjab:
- Bahawalpur
- Muzaffargarh
- Kot Addu
- Bhakkar
- Dera Ghazi Khan
- Mianwali
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Rajanpur
- Khushab
- Layyah
- Bahawalnagar
- Lodhran
- Taunsa Sharif
- Must have a valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
- Must provide medical proof of pregnancy, lactation, or the child’s birth.
How to Apply for the Aghosh Program?
Follow these steps:
- Visit a Health Center
Go to a Basic Health Unit (BHU), Rural Health Center (RHC), Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ), or District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in your area. - Meet a Health Worker
Talk to a Lady Health Visitor (LHV) or another healthcare provider. - Submit Documents
Give them your CNIC, proof of residence, and medical records. - Get Registered
The health worker will enter your details in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. - Receive Confirmation
You will get an SMS or an in-person confirmation once your application is approved.
How Much Financial Assistance Will You Get?
The program provides financial help in different stages:
- Registration Payment: Rs. 2,000 when you register at a government health facility.
- Antenatal Check-ups (During Pregnancy):
- Rs. 1,500 for each check-up during the 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 9th month of pregnancy.
- Total: Rs. 6,000 for completing all four check-ups.
- Safe Delivery Bonus: Rs. 4,000 if you give birth at a government hospital.
- Postnatal and Baby’s First Check-up:
- Rs. 2,000 for the first newborn check-up within 15 days of birth.
- Rs. 2,000 each for the first and second measles vaccinations.
- Total: Rs. 4,000 for immunization support.
- Birth Registration Bonus: Rs. 5,000 for registering your baby’s birth certificate (B-Form/CRC) with NADRA and updating the health records.
Why is the Aghosh Program Important?
The program helps women and children in many ways: ✔ Better Health Care: Encourages women to visit doctors and hospitals. ✔ Financial Support: Helps cover medical and childcare costs. ✔ Safe Deliveries: Reduces the risks of giving birth at home. ✔ Health Education: Teaches mothers about nutrition, hygiene, and vaccinations.
Important Guidelines for Beneficiaries
To continue receiving benefits, women must:
- Always carry their CNIC or Aghosh Program card.
- Keep their registered mobile number active for updates.
- Follow the medical schedule and attend all health check-ups.
- Join health awareness sessions about nutrition and hygiene.
Need Help? Contact the Aghosh Program Helpline!
If you have any problems with registration or payments, you can:
- Visit the health center where you applied.
- Call the official helpline for assistance.
The Aghosh Program is a major step by the Punjab government to ensure better health for mothers and children.
