A newly launched health initiative has quickly garnered national attention, with over 6,300 mothers signing up in its first month. The “Accelerating Maternal and Child Health Programme” is designed to improve the well-being of vulnerable mothers and their children under two years old through a range of support measures, including a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme.
The programme, which is focused on the crucial “Golden 1000 Days” of a child’s life, aims to encourage mothers to make timely use of healthcare services. Under the CCT scheme, qualifying mothers are promised a monthly incentive of Nu 1,500. Out of the thousands registered, approximately 4,820 have already met the eligibility criteria, established through a detailed 20-question assessment.
“Our objective is to support mothers and children in rural places. However, we have observed that most registered individuals come from urban areas. Nevertheless, we are still in the process of registration,” said Sangay Tenzin, project manager of the initiative. Tenzin acknowledged the unexpected urban skew in enrolment while emphasizing ongoing efforts to broaden the programme’s reach.
Despite its promising start, the project faces hurdles. Although funds have been earmarked for distribution, many eligible mothers have not yet received their payments as officials work to finalize all administrative formalities. In a bid to expedite the process, Tenzin revealed that discussions are underway with the finance ministry to eliminate the need for a taxpayer number, thereby enabling direct transfers to mothers’ bank accounts.
In addition to administrative delays, the programme has encountered issues with the eligibility questionnaire. Some women who qualify for the cash transfers have been mistakenly classified as ineligible. Officials say they are ramping up advocacy efforts to rectify these discrepancies and ensure that no deserving family is left behind.
The initiative, valued at USD 2.87 million, is backed by the Japan Social Development Fund in partnership with the World Bank. As the programme moves forward, officials remain optimistic that resolving these initial challenges will pave the way for a broader, more effective rollout—one that better targets both rural and urban communities in need.
The Accelerating Maternal and Child Health Programme represents a significant investment in the nation’s future, striving to secure healthier beginnings for children and stronger support systems for mothers across the country.
