NHIF best placed to roll out free maternity services

The Jubilee Government has started on the right note by demonstrating strong political commitment to reduce inequalities in healthcare access. The policy to provide free maternity services is good given the high maternal mortality rate of 488 per 100,000 live births compared to the global average of 210 per 100,000 live births.

A high percentage of Kenyan women are still delivering at home which can turn out to be very costly in the event of obstetric complications. The new policy calls for financial commitment to the health delivery system. The question however is: Which is the best way to implement the policy?