“Learn everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria for the Aaghosh Program Eligibility in Punjab, Pakistan. This complete guide covers demographic, geographic, and health-based requirements, along with the registration process and necessary documentation.
Overview of the Aaghosh Program
The Aaghosh Program provides pregnant and lactating mothers with financial assistance in return for attending medical checkups, immunization sessions, and registering their child’s birth. By integrating financial incentives with healthcare milestones, the program promotes:
- Safe pregnancies
- Institutional deliveries
- Timely immunizations
- Child growth monitoring
- Birth registration
Why Aaghosh Program Eligibility Matters
Eligibility serves as a foundation for the program’s success. It ensures that only the intended and most vulnerable populations benefit from government resources. Determining eligibility also enables data accuracy, facilitates efficient resource allocation, and strengthens transparency.
Who Is Eligible for the Aaghosh Program?
To qualify for benefits under the Aaghosh Program, applicants must meet all three of the following major eligibility categories:
- Geographic Aaghosh Program Eligibility
- Demographic Aaghosh Program Eligibility
- Health-based Aaghosh Program Eligibility
Geographical Eligibility: Districts Covered
The Aaghosh Program is not yet available across all of Punjab. It is limited to 13 underserved districts known for high maternal mortality and low health infrastructure.
Eligible Districts:
- Bahawalnagar
- Bahawalpur
- Bhakkar
- Dera Ghazi Khan
- Khushab
- Kot Addu
- Layyah
- Lodhran
- Mianwali
- Muzaffargarh
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Rajanpur
- Taunsa
Applicants must reside permanently in one of these districts to qualify. Proof of residence is mandatory.
Demographic Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Women Include:
- Pregnant women registered during the first or second trimester.
- Lactating mothers, especially within 6 months postpartum.
- Mothers with children under 2 years of age.
Women must be of reproductive age (between 15 and 49 years old) and have a valid CNIC issued by NADRA.
Health-based Eligibility Requirements
Beyond geographic and demographic eligibility, beneficiaries must actively participate in scheduled health check-ups and meet certain medical milestones to continue receiving benefits.
Mandatory Health Milestones:
| Milestone | Timeline | Required For Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Antenatal Visit | First trimester | ✅ Yes |
| 4 Antenatal Checkups | Entire pregnancy | ✅ Yes |
| Institutional Delivery | Due date | ✅ Yes |
| Child Immunization | Up to 24 months | ✅ Yes |
| Postnatal Checkup | Within 6 weeks | ✅ Yes |
| Birth Registration | Before child turns 2 | ✅ Yes |
Failure to meet these health conditions can lead to disqualification from further CCTs.
Documentation Required for Enrollment&Aaghosh Program Eligibility
Women registering for the Aaghosh Program must provide the following:
- CNIC – Computerized National Identity Card (original + copy)
- Proof of Residence – Utility bill or official letter from union council
- Mother & Child Health Card – Issued by BHUs or RHCs
- Mobile Number – For receiving payment and communication
- Child’s B-Form – For mothers with infants
Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how eligible women can register:
Step 1: Visit a Designated Health Facility
Attend a Basic Health Unit (BHU) or Rural Health Center (RHC) in your district.
Step 2: Get Enrolled
Health staff, including Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), will enter your data into an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
Step 3: Link Mobile Wallet or Bank Account
Payments will be made via mobile banking platforms (like Easypaisa or JazzCash) or linked bank accounts.
Step 4: Receive Verification Call/SMS
You’ll get a confirmation once registration is complete.
Step 5: Begin Receiving Payments
Upon completing milestones, cash transfers are automatically credited.
Role of Health Facilities and Field Workers
Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and community midwives play a vital role in:
- Educating women about the program
- Ensuring correct documentation
- Performing medical checkups
- Assisting with online registration
- Following up on vaccine schedules
Field workers act as a bridge between the community and the government.
Ineligibility Conditions
Women will be ineligible or disqualified from the program if:
- They do not reside in the listed 13 districts
- They fail to complete health checkups
- They provide false documentation
- Their CNIC is invalid or expired
- The child is older than two years at the time of first contact
- They have already received full benefits once
How to Check Eligibility Online or via Helpline
The Punjab government has made it easy to verify your status:
🖥️ Online:
Check updates via the PHCIP Portal
☎️ Helpline:
Call the Aaghosh Program Helpline:
📞 0800-26467 (toll-free)
Have your CNIC and health facility registration number ready when calling.
Conclusion
The eligibility criteria for the Punjab Aaghosh Program are clear and structured to prioritize the most vulnerable women and children in rural Punjab. By understanding and following the requirements—such as residency, health checkups, documentation, and registration process—eligible mothers can unlock the full potential of this generous and life-changing initiative.
If you’re a resident of one of the targeted districts, don’t miss this opportunity to receive financial and healthcare support for yourself and your child.