In a groundbreaking move to improve maternal and child health in Pakistan, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the Aghosh Program 2025, a revolutionary welfare initiative targeting pregnant women and mothers with young children. The program provides financial support up to Rs 23,000 for mothers and their children under two years old, aiming to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, promote institutional deliveries, and encourage timely immunization and registration of newborns.
A New Chapter in Social Welfare
The Aghosh Program is the first initiative of its kind in Punjab, reflecting a strong commitment to healthcare and women’s well-being. Rolled out in March 2025, the program initially covers 13 underdeveloped districts of Southern and Central Punjab, with plans to expand based on its success.
The selected districts include:
- Dera Ghazi Khan
- Taunsa
- Rajanpur
- Layyah
- Muzaffargarh
- Kot Addu
- Bahawalpur
- Bahawalnagar
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Lodhran
- Mianwali
- Khushab
- Bhakkar
These areas have historically suffered from poor access to maternal healthcare, making them a strategic focus for this initiative.
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Financial Assistance Breakdown
Each beneficiary under the Aghosh Program is entitled to a structured set of financial payments designed to support both the mother and child through critical phases:
- Rs 2,000 upon initial antenatal registration
- Rs 1,500 per visit for four antenatal check-ups (Rs 6,000 total)
- Rs 4,000 for safe hospital-based delivery
- Rs 2,000 for the first newborn check-up within 15 days
- Rs 5,000 for obtaining the child’s birth certificate
- Rs 4,000 for immunizations (Rs 2,000 for each of two essential doses)
These payments not only offer direct financial relief to low-income families but also serve as incentives for availing vital healthcare services.
Bridging the Gap in Maternal Health
One of the program’s primary goals is to address the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality in Punjab’s underserved districts. Many women in rural areas either give birth at home or delay medical attention due to financial constraints. By offering cash incentives for timely prenatal care and hospital deliveries, the Aghosh Program aims to promote a culture of safe motherhood.
Furthermore, the program actively supports newborn care, ensuring that every child gets immunized on time and is officially registered. Birth registration is crucial, as it is the first legal recognition of a child’s identity and ensures access to education, healthcare, and other government services.
Easy Registration Process
The registration process has been designed to be simple and accessible:
- Women must visit the nearest government health facility.
- A lady health worker or official will assist with enrollment.
- Beneficiaries need a valid CNIC and medical documents such as a pregnancy test or birth record.
- The health facility uses an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to register the woman and initiate the payment schedule.
To further support the public, a dedicated toll-free helpline is also available for inquiries, guidance, and complaints.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the Aghosh Program reflects her government’s resolve to build a people-centered welfare state. It is part of a larger vision to eliminate poverty, empower women, and invest in human capital. The program has already been praised by social workers, doctors, and women’s rights activists as a game-changing policy that acknowledges the challenges faced by vulnerable mothers.
She also announced that if the program proves effective, it would be expanded to all 36 districts of Punjab. The provincial government is working in collaboration with healthcare professionals and international development partners to monitor results and ensure transparency in the disbursement of funds.
Public Response
The announcement of the Aghosh Program has been met with widespread public approval. Many women in the targeted districts are now coming forward to register, and health centers are reporting an increase in the number of hospital deliveries and prenatal visits.
One beneficiary from Bahawalnagar said, “I never thought the government would care for poor women like me. This money helps me take care of my baby and go to the doctor when needed.”
Conclusion
The Aghosh Program 2025 is more than just a financial aid package—it is a bold social reform that prioritizes maternal health, child welfare, and women’s dignity. By focusing on early intervention and sustained support, the government is laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable Punjab. If successful, the program could become a model for other provinces and set a new benchmark for public health initiatives in Pakistan.
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