Uproar as Kenyans express Worry on the Scrapping of Linda Mama Program

Uproar as Kenyans express Worry on the Scrapping of Linda Mama Program

Uproar as Kenyans express Worry on the Scrapping of Linda Mama Program: Changes to the country’s health insurance program from NHIF to SHIF have affected the Linda Mama program.

Linda Mama was a free maternity project launched by former President Uhuru together with the first lady Margaret Kenyatta in 2016.

The scheme was designed to assist pregnant women and infants in accessing subsidised or free health services

However, For the past months, card holders of Linda Mama have been experiencing problems accessing services with most facilities describing the programme to be a ‘sham’ due to failure by NHIF to pay them

The Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has raised the alarm over the National Health Insurance Fund’s (NHIF) failure to remit payments for services offered under the Linda Mama Scheme.

Already, a number of both public and private health facilities are turning away women seeking the services due to lack of funds.

Facilities say NHIF has not been remitting to them millions of shillings for services rendered for the programme, which was the brainchild of former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta

Netizens have Reacted;

Fahat wrote,” I’ve worked in pumwani maternity ( Major city hospital) and another mashinani hospital. I’ve witnessed first hand the impact of Linda mama for urban and rural population! That’s literally the ONLY thing that we got right in the healthcare system. It’s a shame to even think of scraping off the ONLY thing that works! What’s the agenda here? If we don’t get angry now as a people then I don’t know when.”

Muli expressed,” This is the hill we’ll camp. The cabinet secretary has to be called to a live debate and be asked to explain how maternal services will be absolutely free of charges under the SHIF. That program has elbowed out NHIF together with Linda Mama. We need Linda Mama back at all costs.”

Erica expressed,” Dear government of Kenya, @MOH_Kenya @Nakhumicha_S Whatever changes you’re bringing, kindly don’t take Linda Mama away. Our women will suffer;maternal and perinatal mortalitities will shoot up! As a gynaecologist who has worked in public hospitals, Linda mama has been a saviour

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