I will restore Linda Mama program if appointed Health CS - Deborah Barasa

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Thursday, Dr Barasa explained that she has been a beneficiary of the program and will work with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition once the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is rolled out. 

The Linda Mama program is a package that provides 12-month coverage for mothers during maternity. It covers ante-natal clinic visits, deliveries, post-natal clinics and also care for the new-borns. 

The program was part of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) that is set to be replaced by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

The new fund, however, did not indicate the fate of the Linda Mama program, fuelling speculation about the fate of free maternity services in public health facilities. 

Dr Barasa noted that if confirmed, she would come up with a transition plan to ensure the program is accounted for during the budgeting process. 

"I am a beneficiary of Linda Mama and my daughter is a beneficiary of Linda Mama. I will ensure it is incorporated if SHIF is rolled out," she said.

"During the transition period, at times such activities fall through the cracks, funds have been allocated so we need to have a transition plan to ensure the Linda Mama is always there; this is an area we will look to and ensure all mothers and children are covered."

Dr Barasa also supported the creation of a national health service commission, an agenda that health unions have advocated for in the past.

The unions have stressed the need for a centralised body anchored in the law that would handle all matters within healthcare, saying that this would be the lasting solution to all problems in the sector. 

She also pointed out that the public should be effectively sensitised on the SHIF program to welcome the transition from NHIF. The latest data from the Ministry shows that 464,263 Kenyans have registered for SHIF out of a target of 15 million. 

"Kenyans have not seen its importance, we need to have robust communication with the community. It is important they own it and hence the uptake will be great," Barasa said.