The Aghosh Scheme (also known as Aaghosh Program or Aghosh Conditional Cash Transfer Program) is a landmark maternal and child health initiative launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in March 2025 and actively continuing with expansions and payments into 2026. This first-of-its-kind program in Punjab provides conditional cash transfers to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and mothers of children under 2 years old – aiming to improve maternal nutrition, encourage regular antenatal checkups, ensure safe deliveries, promote timely birth registration, and complete child immunization.
Managed under the Punjab Human Capital Investment Project (PHCIP) and the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), Aghosh targets vulnerable households in 13 underserved districts of Punjab. The total conditional cash support can reach up to Rs 38,000 per eligible mother (phased payments tied to health milestones), helping reduce maternal and infant mortality, combat malnutrition, and ensure healthier starts for newborns.
CM Maryam Nawaz described it as a program where “a healthy mother guarantees a healthy family,” highlighting its focus on preventive healthcare and financial empowerment for poor women in underdeveloped areas.
Important Disclaimer: This guide is compiled from official Punjab Government sources, PSPA/PHCIP announcements, and verified reports (as of February 2026). We are not an official government website. For registration, payments, or eligibility checks, always use official portals and avoid any unofficial agents or fees.
What Is the Aghosh Scheme 2026?
- Core Objective: Provide financial incentives to encourage pregnant and lactating women to access essential health services, ensuring better nutrition, regular checkups, safe deliveries, birth registration, and full child vaccination.
- Cash Transfer Structure (Conditional on milestones):
- Rs 2,000 on first registration at a health center/Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic (during pregnancy).
- Rs 1,500 per antenatal visit (total Rs 6,000 for multiple visits).
- Rs 4,000 on safe delivery at a government health facility.
- Rs 2,000 per vaccination milestone for the child (up to a certain number of doses).
- Additional incentives for birth registration and full immunization (total up to Rs 23,000–38,000 depending on phase and compliance).
- Target Districts (Phase I – 13 Districts): Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Rajanpur, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Mianwali, Khushab, Lodhran.
- Focus: Poor and vulnerable households in underdeveloped areas; conditional payments ensure health-seeking behavior.
- Integration: Linked with NADRA for birth registration, Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics for services, and PSPA for cash disbursement.
Eligibility Criteria for Aghosh Scheme 2026
Eligibility is targeted at low-income and vulnerable groups. Key requirements include:
- Beneficiary: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, or mothers of children under 2 years old.
- Residency: Permanent resident of one of the 13 target districts.
- Valid CNIC: Must have a computerized national identity card (linked to NADRA).
- Low-Income/Vulnerable Status: From poor households (often verified via PSER/BISP data or local assessment; no strict income cutoff but priority for vulnerable).
- Health Compliance: Willing to register at BHU/RHC/Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic and follow antenatal checkups, safe delivery, birth registration, and immunization schedule.
- Priority: Women in remote/underdeveloped areas, low PMT score families.
- Ineligible: Non-residents of target districts, those not complying with conditions, or already receiving overlapping high-aid.
Benefits Breakdown of Aghosh Scheme 2026
| Benefit / Milestone | Amount (PKR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Registration (Pregnancy) | 2,000 | At BHU/RHC or Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic by LHV |
| Antenatal Visits | 1,500 per visit (total 6,000) | Multiple checkups during pregnancy |
| Safe Delivery at Govt Facility | 4,000 | Incentive for institutional delivery |
| Child Vaccination Milestones | 2,000 per dose (varies) | Additional (up to total of 23,000–38,000) |
| Birth Registration & Full Immunization | Additional (up to total 23,000–38,000) | Conditional on timely NADRA registration and complete vaccines |
| Overall Support | Up to Rs 38,000 | Phased cash transfers via bank/mobile wallet |
These incentives reduce barriers to healthcare access and promote healthier mothers and babies.
How to Apply online Aghosh Scheme 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide
Registration is facility-based (at health centers) rather than a separate online portal for most beneficiaries.
Primary Registration Process:
- Visit the nearest Basic Health Unit (BHU), Rural Health Center (RHC), or Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic in one of the 13 districts.
- Lady Health Visitor (LHV) or health staff registers the pregnant woman/mother.
- Provide CNIC and basic family details.
- Get enrolled in the Aghosh Program – receive confirmation and the first installment (Rs 2,000) upon registration.
- Attend regular checkups – payments released conditionally at each milestone.
- For birth registration & immunization: Follow up at the same facility or NADRA center.
Online / Status Check (Where Available):
- Visit pspa.punjab.gov.pk or phcip.com.pk for program info.
- Some districts may offer portal-based tracking; check CNIC on PSPA payment portal (payment.pspa.gop.pk).
- Helpline: Contact PSPA or local health office.
Offline Support: District Health Offices or PSPA facilitation centers assist free.
Required Documents
- Valid CNIC (original + copy).
- Pregnancy confirmation (if applicable).
- Family details (for verification).
- No heavy documents needed initially — health staff handles most.
Latest Updates – February 2026
- Phase I is ongoing in 13 districts; payments disbursed for registrations and milestones.
- Collaboration with NADRA for birth registration and immunization tracking.
- Total support up to Rs 38,000 confirmed in some reports; focus on compliance for full benefits.
- Expansion discussions for more districts; linked with Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics.
Scam Alert – Stay Safe!
- The program is 100% free — no registration fees, “activation” payments, or agents.
- Never pay anyone or share CNIC/OTP with unknown callers/WhatsApp.
- Payments come directly from the government (bank/mobile wallet).
- Report fraud to the local health office or PSPA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much total money can a mother get?
Up to Rs 23,000–38,000, conditional on completing health milestones.
Q: Is it only for pregnant women?
Also for lactating mothers and mothers of children under 2.
Q: Which districts are covered?
13 specified districts in South/Central Punjab (e.g., DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, etc.).
Q: How to check payment status?
Via PSPA portal (payment.pspa.gop.pk) or local health center.
Q: Do I need to apply separately?
No — register at BHU/RHC during checkup.
The Aghosh Scheme is a compassionate step toward healthier mothers and stronger families in Punjab. If you’re a pregnant woman or mother in a target district, visit your nearest health facility today to register and start receiving support!
Official Resources
- Punjab Social Protection Authority: pspa.punjab.gov.pk
- PHCIP Portal: phcip.com.pk
- Local BHU/RHC or Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics
Share this guide with expecting mothers or families in need – may every child in Punjab start life healthy and strong. Ameen! 🤰👶
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