Sindh’s ‘Gold Standard’ for Social Protection Wins World Bank Praise!
Imran
*Sindh’s Social Protection Model Earns World Bank Praise as ‘Mamta’ Reaches New Milestones*
KARACHI – In a high-level strategic review, the World Bank has commended the Sindh Government for the extraordinary progress of its flagship Mother and Child Support Program, the Mamta Program. The program, a cornerstone of the Strengthening Social Protection Delivery System in Sindh (SSPDSS), is being recognized for its success in linking financial aid to critical healthcare outcomes.
Sindh Minister for Labour , Human Resources & Social Protection Department , Saeed Ghani, met with a World Bank delegation led by Task Team Leader Sohail Saeed Abbasi and Co-TTL Amna Khan. The meeting focused on the rapid expansion of the initiative and its transition into a more tech-driven, sustainable model.
Minister Saeed Ghani revealed that the Mamta Program has already integrated over 955,000 pregnant and lactating mothers (PLWs) into a formal support network. This brings the province within striking distance of its initial 1.3 million beneficiary target across 15 districts.
The program’s unique "cash-for-health" model has yielded impressive results, said the Minister. “Enrolled beneficiaries have completed 4.3 million hospital visits to the local facilities, signaling a major shift in provincial health-seeking behavior,” he added.
It’s noteworthy that there has been 80% increase in healthcare utilization at PPHI-managed hospitals, while the program leverages 824 health facilities through strategic partnerships with PPHI Sindh and the Department of Health.
He said with the initial phase proving successful, the SSPA is now looking toward a massive expansion.
"We are scaling the program to an additional seven districts, bringing our total reach to 22 districts," said Saeed Ghani . "Our ultimate goal is to enroll and serve 2.5 million mothers, ensuring that financial empowerment and maternal health go hand-in-hand," he added.
The World Bank delegation highlighted the digital transformation of the registration process as a benchmark for other regions, noting that it has streamlined payments and reduced barriers for the province’s most vulnerable families.
The meeting concluded with the World Bank reaffirming its commitment to provide continued technical and financial support. By merging mandatory healthcare compliance with quarterly financial benefits, Sindh is setting a new standard for human capital development in Pakistan.
