Discover how the Aaghosh Program in Punjab supports maternal and child health through financial aid, healthcare access, and education, empowering mothers and reducing infant mortality.
The Aaghosh Program is a transformative initiative launched by the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, to enhance maternal and child health, particularly in underserved communities. Operating under the Punjab Human Capital Investment Project, this program targets 12 districts in Punjab, aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare and financial support to pregnant women and mothers of children under two years of age.
Objectives of the Aaghosh Program
The primary goal of the Aaghosh Program is to improve the health and well-being of mothers and their children during the critical first 1,000 days—from pregnancy to the child’s second birthday. This period is crucial for cognitive and physical development, and the program focuses on:
- Promoting Safe Deliveries: Encouraging hospital-based births to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
- Ensuring Regular Health Check-ups: Facilitating timely antenatal and postnatal care to monitor and address health concerns.
- Providing Immunization Support: Ensuring children receive essential vaccinations to prevent diseases.
- Enhancing Nutrition and Hygiene Awareness: Educating mothers on proper nutrition and hygiene practices to foster healthy growth and development.
Financial Assistance and Incentives
To incentivize participation and adherence to health guidelines, the Aaghosh Program offers a total of Rs. 23,000 in conditional cash transfers (CCTs) distributed across various stages:
- Registration Payment: Rs. 2,000 upon registration at a government health facility.
- Antenatal Check-ups: Rs. 1,500 for each of the four scheduled check-ups during pregnancy, totaling Rs. 6,000.
- Safe Delivery Bonus: Rs. 4,000 for delivering at a government health facility.
- Postnatal Care:
- Rs. 2,000 for the newborn’s first medical check-up within 15 days of birth.
- Rs. 2,000 for each of the first and second measles vaccinations, totaling Rs. 4,000.
- Birth Registration Incentive: Rs. 5,000 for registering the child’s birth with NADRA and updating health records.
These financial incentives aim to alleviate the economic burden on families and encourage adherence to recommended healthcare practices .
Eligibility Criteria
The Aaghosh Program is designed for:
- Pregnant Women: Expectant mothers who are registered with a valid CNIC.
- Lactating Mothers: Women breastfeeding children under the age of two.
- Eligible Districts: The program is available in 12 districts of Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mianwali, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Khushab, Layyah, Bahawalnagar, and Lodhran .
Implementation and Support
The program is implemented through government health facilities such as Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs). Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) play a pivotal role in registering beneficiaries, conducting health assessments, and updating records in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. To facilitate the process, a toll-free helpline has been established to provide guidance and support to participants .
Impact and Future Prospects
Since its inception, the Aaghosh Program has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Punjab. By providing financial support and promoting access to quality healthcare services, the program has empowered women to make informed health decisions, leading to healthier pregnancies and improved child development.
Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the program’s reach to additional districts, ensuring that more families benefit from its services. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to assess the program’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to enhance its impact.
Conclusion
The Aaghosh Program stands as a testament to the Government of Punjab’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for mothers and children. Through a combination of financial incentives, healthcare access, and educational support, the program is laying the foundation for a generation of well-nourished and well-cared-for children, contributing to the overall development of the province.
