Islamabad:The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has rolled out the ‘Nashonuma Programme’ to boost maternal and child health, calling it a targeted push to support pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants from low-income households during the crucial early stages of life.
According to officials, the initiative will provide cash assistance and nutrient-rich food to promote healthy growth and development during the critical early years of life. Officials said eligibility is limited to women already registered with BISP.
The programme covers expectant mothers, lactating women and infants up to 23 months old, with a focus on improving maternal well-being and reducing early childhood malnutrition. For enrolment, officials said beneficiaries can register at designated Nashonuma Centres located at tehsil or district headquarters hospitals. Applicants are required to present a NADRA-issued national identity card, the child’s B-Form, and an immunisation card to verify eligibility.
Under the financial assistance component, officials said pregnant women will receive Rs2,500 every three months. At the time of delivery, families will be given Rs2,500 for a newborn boy, while the amount for a newborn girl will be Rs3,000, including a Rs500 travel allowance.
Officials added that the cash support will continue in phases until the child reaches the age of two. Enrolled mothers and children will also receive fortified, nutrient-dense food to support their physical and cognitive development.
They said that the Nashonuma benefits are separate from the regular BISP stipend and said the programme is intended to ease the financial burden on low-income families while strengthening maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
