Public health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has sought to assure Kenyans that the Linda Mama programme started by the Jubilee programme will be re-introduced.
The PS has said this year alone, the government has set aside Sh2 billion for the programme.
Muthoni further noted that the government plans to enhance the programme to offer more benefits to expectant mothers.
Kenyans have been registering their discontent with plans by the government to scrap the programme that has been credited for increased hospital births that have in turn reduced maternal and infant mortality.
"Many Kenyans have been calling for the return of the programme and the government has heard and heeded to their voices. The government cares about our mothers and children," she added.She further noted that the government is in the process of collecting views from the general public on how they would want the programme improved and called for Kenyans to give their input.
Linda Mama programme was started in 2013 by the Jubilee government with the aim of ensuring expectant women and infants have access to quality and affordable health services.
It provided antenatal and postnatal care for both mother and child, including immunization and family planning services, for free.
But with the introduction of SHIf, the government had proposed the provision of Sh32,000 for caesarean sections we under Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) while normal deliveries would be capped at Sh11,200, sparking an uproar from Kenyans.
Muthoni spoke in Murang’a town during the launch of Saraya Jigger Lotion innovated by Saraya Kenya organisation in partnership with Nagasaki university in Japan, Ahadi Kenya Trust and the ministry of health.
The lotion will treat and heal jigger patients in a period of two weeks and will work by treating infections caused by jigger infestation.
Saraya Kenya Managing Director Hojo Takeo said they have been working on the medication for over two decades to ensure its efficacy and safety, noting that it will go a long way in eradicating the pests.
PS Muthoni further noted that the National Health Insurance Fund is still operational and will continue working until SHIF is fully rolled out.
"Right now what is happening is registration for SHIF but if you go to a hospital, you should be able to be covered by NHIF".Last year, Muthoni said the government adopted four laws, including Facilities Improvement Act 2023, Digital Health Act 2023, Social Health Insurance Fund Act 2023 and the Primary Health Act 2023, all aimed at improving health care for all Kenyans.
