Punjab CM Maryam announces Rs23,000 financial assistance for pregnant women

LAHORE: The Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced the “Aghosh program’ to provide economic support to pregnant women and mothers of children up to 2 years of age.

The eligible women will receive 23,000 PKR in financial assistance, with phase one launching in 13 districts, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, and Bahawalpur.

Financial Breakdown

The 23,000 financial assistance will be distributed in three steps. The Initial Registration (2,000 PKR) occurs upon registering the beneficiary in a health center or Maryam Health Clinic. The beneficiary will have health check-ups after registration in Maryam Health clinics. The government will transfer 1,500 PKR for up to 6 visits to a clinic for check–ups.

So, the maximum amount for the health checks is up to 6,000 PKR. When the mother gives birth in a registered health center, a gift of 4,000 PKR will be transferred to the bank account.

The beneficiary must also take her baby to the first check–up, which is to occur within 15 days after the birth.

The government will also transfer 2,000 PKR for that check–up. After that, the mother and child will be eligible for registration of the birth certificate (5,000 PKR) and vaccination incentives for each visit to the health clinic (4,000 PKR).

Each visit incurs 2,000 PKR in the vaccination incentives program.

Helpline & Complaint Assistance

A 24–7 toll-free helpline has also been created to help guide women.  CM Maryam Nawaz stated that women and child health care is a primary right, and the government would work to fulfill that responsibility.

In addition to improving the health of mothers, it will improve child health by allowing newborns to start life with a healthier start.