Ministry of Health
LINDA MAMA
Health CS Dr . Cleopa Mailu during the launch of Linda Mama NHIF scheme at KICC on October 2016 .
Why was Free Maternity Services introduced ?
Only 44 % of mothers delivering in health facilities
Over 6,000 mothers dying of preventable pregnancy related conditions every year
Four babies in every 100 newborns dying before their first birth day
Fees charged for maternity services in health institutions have contributed to the low utilization of services , especially among the poor and vulnerable .
When was Free Maternity Services introduced ?
H . E the President of the Republic of Kenya announced the immediate removal of maternity fees in public health facilities on 1st June 2013 . This action effectively removed financial barriers to accessing maternal care services .
How do women access Free Maternity Services ?
Maternity services are provided freely to all women in public facilities .
In the three years of implementation of the program over 2.8 million women have benefited .
How are health facilities reimbursed under Free Maternity Services Program ?
Free Maternity Services program is funded through budgetary allocations from the national government .
Public health facilities are reimbursed for direct costs incurred in providing maternity services .
In the three years of implementation of the program over Kshs 8 billion has been disbursed to public health facilities providing maternity services .
What is new under LINDA MAMA ?
Under LINDA MAMA , both public and private health facilities in Kenya
will be contracted to provide services , this will expand the network of providers from 2,400 public health facilities to include over 700 Faith Based Organization facilities and nearly 2,000 private health facilities .
The expanded package of benefits will include antenatal care , deliveries , postnatal care and care for the newborn .
The package further includes both outpatient and in-patient management for conditions and complications during pregnancy , delivery and postnatal care ; as well as treatment for the newborn baby within the one year period under the programme .
Implementation of LINDA MAMA program demonstrates the Government of Kenya commitment to improve the status of maternal and child health and contribute to realization of the right to health as highlighted in the constitution of Kenya ( 2010 ).
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