Sindh CM Expands Mamata Program to 22 Districts | Supporting 1.3 Million Pregnant & Lactating Women. The Sindh government has taken another major step toward empowering women and improving child health. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has officially expanded the Mamata Program, also known as the Maternal and Child Support Program (MCSP), to seven more districts, bringing the total to 22 districts across Sindh.
With this expansion, the Mamata Program will now support 1.3 million pregnant and lactating women by 2027 through financial assistance and integrated healthcare services. This initiative reflects Sindh’s strong commitment to maternal health, poverty reduction, and women’s empowerment.
What is the Mamata Program?
The Mamata Program is a conditional cash transfer initiative launched by the Sindh government to assist pregnant and breastfeeding women in rural and low-income communities.
It provides financial assistance tied to health milestones, ensuring women receive proper prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Mamata (Maternal and Child Support Program) |
| Launched | January 2023 |
| Implemented By | Sindh Social Protection Authority |
| Support Duration | 2023 to 2027 |
| Coverage (2025) | 22 Districts |
| Beneficiaries | 1.3 Million Pregnant & Lactating Women |
The program’s goal is not only to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates but also to improve nutrition, healthcare access, and social protection for vulnerable women.
Expansion to 7 More Districts
During the second board meeting of the Sindh Social Protection Authority held at the Chief Minister’s House, CM Murad Ali Shah approved the inclusion of seven new districts.
Newly Added Districts:
- Larkana
- Sukkur
- Khairpur
- Shaheed Benazirabad
- Jamshoro
- Dadu
- Nowshera Feroze
These are in addition to the 15 rural districts where the program was already active. This expansion ensures broader coverage, focusing on rural, underserved areas where maternal health challenges are severe.
Financial Assistance Increased to Rs. 41,000
Under the expanded Mamata Program, eligible women will now receive Rs. 41,000 over three years, compared to the previous Rs. 30,000.
The cash is provided in phases, tied to important healthcare milestones such as medical checkups, safe delivery, and postnatal care.
| Financial Support Breakdown | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Assistance | Rs. 41,000 (over 3 years) |
| Earlier Amount | Rs. 30,000 |
| Payment Model | Conditional Cash Transfer (based on health milestones) |
| Goal | Ensure nutrition, checkups, and safe childbirth |
This increase reflects the government’s commitment to better maternal nutrition, safe pregnancies, and reduced maternal mortality rates.
Mamata Program Conditional Cash Transfer Model
The Mamata Program works under a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) framework — financial aid is released only when certain health-related conditions are met.
These conditions include:
- Attending regular prenatal checkups
- Delivering at a recognized health facility
- Receiving postnatal care and newborn vaccinations
This model helps ensure that both mother and child receive proper medical attention throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Healthcare Network and Implementation
Currently, the Mamata Program is being implemented through 800 health centers across Sindh.
| Health Facility Type | Centers |
|---|---|
| PPHI (People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative) | 740 Centers |
| Health Department Facilities | 62 Centers |
| Total Operational Centers | 800 Centers |
These centers are responsible for medical checkups, nutritional guidance, counseling, and disbursing financial aid.
Healthcare workers also track progress to ensure every registered woman meets the health milestones tied to the cash transfer.
Eligibility Criteria for Mamata Program
To qualify for financial and medical support, women must meet the following eligibility requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Valid CNIC | Required |
| Residency | Must live in designated districts |
| Health Checkups | Must complete prenatal and postnatal visits |
These conditions help ensure that only deserving and vulnerable mothers receive benefits under the Mamata Program.
Program Funding and Duration
The Sindh Mamata Program is part of a massive Rs. 48.3 billion social protection plan, with Rs. 6.3 billion funded directly by the Sindh government.
| Funding Source | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Total Program Value | 48.3 Billion |
| Sindh Government Contribution | 6.3 Billion |
| Duration | 2023 – 2027 |
The program started in January 2023 and will continue until December 2027. During this time, it aims to reach 50% of all eligible pregnant and lactating women across the 22 participating districts.
Program Goals and Expected Impact
According to population estimates, there are around 2.6 million pregnant and lactating women across the targeted districts. The government aims to support 1.3 million women, which is about 50% of the total eligible population.
Program Objectives:
- Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates
- Improve nutrition and healthcare access
- Empower rural women through financial inclusion
- Strengthen social protection systems
This initiative will help break the poverty-health cycle by ensuring mothers receive financial support and medical care during the most critical stages of motherhood.
Sindh Government’s Vision for Social Protection
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that expanding the Mamata Program is part of the government’s long-term vision for social protection and inclusive growth.
He stated:
“Social protection is not just financial help — it’s about dignity, empowerment, and building healthier families and communities.”
Through this program, the Sindh government aims to reduce poverty, enhance women’s participation in social development, and improve overall public health outcomes in the province.
Community Response and Implementation Progress
So far, around 770,000 women have been registered across 800 health centers under the Mamata Program. These include both pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in rural and semi-urban areas.
The registration process is handled through local health centers, ensuring transparency and easy access for all eligible women.
The government has also established monitoring mechanisms under the Sindh Social Protection Authority to track performance and ensure smooth delivery of payments.
Mamata Program Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Mamata (Maternal & Child Support Program) |
| Total Districts Covered | 22 |
| New Districts Added | 7 |
| Beneficiaries Target (2027) | 1.3 Million Women |
| Financial Support | Rs. 41,000 (3 years) |
| Program Duration | 2023 – 2027 |
| Implementing Agencies | SSP Authority, PPHI, Health Dept. |
| Government Funding | Rs. 6.3 Billion |
| Total Program Value | Rs. 48.3 Billion |
Conclusion
The Sindh Mamata Program expansion marks a major step forward in maternal and child health support. By extending the initiative to 22 districts and increasing financial aid to Rs. 41,000, the Sindh government is directly uplifting over 1.3 million women and their families.
