LINDA MAMA IS STILL HERE – CS Nakhumicha Confirms Program Included In The Social Health Insurance Fund

LINDA MAMA IS STILL HERE – CS Nakhumicha Confirms Program Included In The Social Health Insurance Fund

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has denied reports that Kenya’s popular ‘Linda Mama’ program will be phased out as the country transitions to a new health financing scheme, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Concerns had been raised that the new administration intended to terminate certain government programs, including ‘Linda Mama’.

However, in a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Thursday afternoon, Nakhumicha assured the public that mothers will continue to have uninterrupted access to maternity services through the ongoing ‘Linda Mama’ initiative.

“Linda Mama has not been scrapped off. It was one of the vertical programs under NHIF. Now, the Social Health Authority (SHA) covers entire households, ensuring that all mothers continue to access maternity services offered under the Linda Mama program. Additionally, coverage now… pic.twitter.com/5O8wifLdHN

— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) June 13, 2024

The statement sought to allay Kenyans’ fears and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing essential health benefits to its citizens during the transition to SHIF.

“Linda Mama has not been scrapped off. All mothers will continue to access maternity services offered under the Linda Mama program,” stated Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.

As Kenya transitions from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the new health scheme will continue Linda Mama’s critical role in providing effective maternity benefits.

“Linda Mama was initially part of NHIF’s vertical programs. Now, under the Social Health Authority (SHA), coverage extends to entire households, ensuring streamlined implementation of the program,” added the Health CS.

Furthermore, the expanded coverage will now include school-aged children, who were previously eligible for the EduAfya program.

EduAfya aimed to provide students with high-quality health services while reducing the burden on parents and guardians.

During recent debates about Linda Mama’s future, particularly its continuity and impact, the Health CS addressed public concerns, warning against the spread of misinformation that could mislead citizens.

Linda Mama, which was launched in 2017, has been recognized by the Ministry of Health for its importance in maternal and child health.

The program’s integration into the broader health insurance framework reflects the government’s efforts to improve subscriber flexibility and accessibility.

In 2023, the cabinet approved plans to merge the National Health Insurance Program with Linda Mama.

This decision aligns with the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda, which prioritizes inclusive healthcare for all Kenyans.

LINDA MAMA IS STILL HERE – CS Nakhumicha Confirms Program Included In The Social Health Insurance Fund