Maryam introduces Aghosh programme for women

LAHORE: Under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s first-ever Aghosh program, pregnant women and mothers of children under 2 will get Rs23,000 each.

“Health of a mother and her child requires special attention, a healthy mother guarantees a healthy family,” said Maryam while introducing the Aghosh program to provide medical facilities and financial support to the women. She said: “Under the Aghosh program, not only mothers but their children too will start a healthy life. Health and treatment are fundamental rights of every mother and child, the government will fulfill its duty. Seeing mothers and children in a state of illness in hospitals is extremely painful. People of backward and remote areas also have every right to government resources. A special toll-free number has been established for the women’s guidance and information.” The chief minister was briefed by authorities: “Under Phase-I of the Aghosh program, women in 13 districts will get assistance money.

These districts are Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Rajanpur, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Khushab and Lodhran.

A pregnant woman will be given Rs2,000 on her first registration at the Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic.

She will continue receiving the assistance money on her next visits for regular medical check-ups until the birth of her child.”

Maryam said a pregnant woman would get Rs1,500 on each visit to the health centre, the total amount will be Rs6,000. A gift of Rs4,000 will be given on the birth of a child at the health centre.

Rs2,000 will be given on the first medical examination within 15 days of birth. Rs5,000 will be given on registering for the birth certificate at the health centre.

Under the Aghosh program, Rs4,000 will be given for getting a newborn child immunised @ Rs2,000 each time.