The Punjab government has announced financial aid of Rs23,000 for new mothers and pregnant women under the newly launched ‘Aaghosh’ programme.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz initiated this first-of-its-kind welfare programme, aimed at supporting mothers of children under two years old and pregnant women.

The programme will initially be implemented in 13 districts, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Rajanpur, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, and Kot Addu.

Other districts covered in the first phase include Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Khushab, and Lodhran.

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Under the programme, pregnant women will receive Rs2,000 upon their first registration at healthcare centres or Maryam Health Clinics.

Additional financial support will be provided for regular prenatal check-ups. After free medical check-ups at designated health centres, beneficiaries can collect their financial aid from ‘Aaghosh’ cash agents.

Pregnant women will receive Rs1,500 for each health centre visit, with a total of Rs6,000 allocated for prenatal care.

Upon childbirth at a designated health centre, mothers will receive a Rs4,000 gift.

Additionally, Rs2,000 will be provided for the newborn’s first medical check-up within 15 days of birth.

Mothers will receive Rs5,000 for registering their child’s birth certificate at the health centre. Under the programme, Rs2,000 will be given per visit for newborn immunisations, totalling Rs4,000.

To assist and guide women, a special toll-free helpline has also been launched on the directives of CM Maryam Nawaz.

“The health and well-being of mothers and children is a fundamental right, and the government is committed to fulfilling its responsibility,” said Maryam Nawaz.

She emphasised that seeing mothers and children suffering due to a lack of medical facilities is distressing.

“The people of remote and underprivileged areas have a rightful share in government resources. A mother’s health directly impacts the health of an entire family,” she added.

CM Maryam Nawaz further stated that the “Aaghosh” programme not only ensures better healthcare for women in deprived regions but also provides financial support to them.

“This initiative will help both mothers and newborns begin a healthier life,” she remarked.