In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Health Cabinet Secretary nominee Deborah Barasa promises to restore the Linda Mama program if confirmed, ensuring it continues under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
- She also supports creating a national health service commission and emphasizes the need for effective public communication to boost SHIF registration, which currently falls short of targets.
Health Cabinet Secretary nominee Deborah Barasa has vowed to restore the Linda Mama program if approved by the vetting panel.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Thursday, Dr. Barasa shared that her personal experience as a beneficiary of the program drives her commitment.
She promised to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The Linda Mama program offers 12 months of coverage for maternity care, including ante-natal visits, deliveries, post-natal care, and newborn services.
However, as the NHIF is set to be replaced by SHIF, there has been uncertainty about the future of Linda Mama and free maternity services.
Dr. Barasa committed to developing a transition plan to secure the program’s continuation and integration into the new fund’s budget.
She emphasized the importance of a seamless transition, noting that during such changes, some programs risk being overlooked.
“I am a beneficiary of Linda Mama, and so is my daughter. I will ensure it is incorporated into SHIF,” she stated. Dr. Barasa also supported the creation of a national health service commission, which health unions have long advocated for to address sector-wide issues.
Additionally, she highlighted the need for effective public communication about the SHIF program to enhance its acceptance.
Current data shows that only 464,263 Kenyans have registered for SHIF, falling short of the 15 million target.
Dr. Barasa stressed the importance of robust community engagement to improve uptake and understanding of the new health insurance scheme.