SHA: Linda Mama now covers more than just free deliveries

President William Ruto chairs a cabinet meeting at Kakamega State Lodge on January 21, 2025. [PSC, Standard] The Social Health Authority (SHA) has confirmed that pregnant women can still access free delivery services under the Linda Mama package. The authority dismissed claims that the programme was discontinued following the repeal of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), stating that such misinformation could jeopardise the lives of mothers and newborns seeking hospital deliveries. In an interview with The Standard, SHA CEO Robert Ingasira clarified that the Linda Mama cover is now integrated into the new scheme. "Linda Mama is still available. It has been enhanced under the new framework," Ingasira emphasised. He explained that women must register, like any other citizen, at their preferred hospitals for Antenatal Clinics (ANC) and are guided through the registration process. During registration, a means test is conducted to determine the cost of services required, enabling SHA to calculate the remittance amount. "The means test ensures SHA can determine the payment required for the service. For example, in childbirth, we assess how much should be allocated," said Ingasira, adding; "Premiums are set during registration, and from there, we pay. Funds are drawn from the allocated budget based on the outcomes of registration." The enhanced Linda Mama package under SHA provides coverage for ANC, postnatal care (PNC), delivery services (including Caesarean sections and normal deliveries), newborn care, and treatments, such as Anti-D serum. Needy mothers receive full benefits funded by the government. Additionally, the enhanced package allows mothers to include their household members, including spouses and children, which is an improvement over the defunct NHIF scheme, which only covered the mother and child at birth. Under the SHA benefit tariff, normal deliveries are allocated Sh11,200, while C-sections are allocated Sh32,600. Under NHIF, the government used to remit Sh2,500 for normal deliveries and Sh5,000 for C-sections, amounts which have now increased. Unlike SHA, NHIF's Linda Mama maternity cover was limited to the mother and child, covering only ANC, delivery, and immediate postnatal services. "The government is committed to addressing healthcare needs from pre-delivery to post-delivery and ensuring the baby is well cared for after birth," stated Ingasira. "Linda Mama under SHA is more comprehensive because it supports the entire family, not just hospital deliveries," he continued. His comments come amid circulating clips showing mothers in hospitals unable to pay bills after delivery, with some being locked in maternity wards. Ingasira expressed concern that such misinformation was deterring women from seeking hospital care, fearing SHA would not cover their bills. To ensure women can access quality maternal and child care, SHA is collaborating with healthcare providers, especially at Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals, to encourage women to register for the scheme. Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are also educating pregnant women about the benefits of registration and encouraging early enrolment for timely care. "We urge mothers to register as early as possible so that the process is seamless- from admission to delivery and discharge. This ensures continuity of postnatal care," said Ingasira. The Linda Mama programme, which began in 2016, has supported over one million women annually. Following the introduction of free deliveries under NHIF, the number of women delivering in hospitals has increased, alongside a significant rise in Caesarean sections, which have more than doubled. Prior to the introduction of free hospital deliveries, many women relied on traditional birth attendants, which contributed to high maternal and infant mortality rates. For instance, Kenya's maternal death rate in 2008/09 was 488 per 100,000 live births, which decreased to 342 per 100,000 in 2022. In the 2024/25 financial budget, Sh2 billion was allocated for Free Maternity Healthcare, a reduction from the Sh4 billion allocated in the previous budget. Meanwhile, Ingasira reported that SHA registration is progressing well, with at least 18.1 million Kenyans now registered. Of these, three million have undergone means testing. At least 8,600 hospitals, including public, private, and mission hospitals, have been accredited by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).

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