The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has come out to issue a clarification on the status of the Linda Mama program.
This follows claims that have been going rounds on social media, suggesting that the government had abolished the program.
In a public alert posted on the NHIF official Facebook page, the fund has asked members of the public to ignore reports that the program no longer exists.
“Attention is drawn to recent false social media messages purporting the discontinuity of the government-funded Linda Mama Program. NHIF wishes to assure the public that the cover is still active as mothers continue to benefit massively,” read part of the public alert.
According to NHIF, since the inception of the program in 2017, at least 6 million expectant mothers have benefited from the cover.
Linda Mama program, funded by the national government targets expectant women and aims at reducing maternal and child deaths.
In addition, the program ensures mothers do not struggle with paying medical bills during pregnancy and childbirth. It also encourages them to seek the services of a skilled birth attendant.
“Expectant mothers access a one-year cover that caters for four antenatal visits, normal or caesarian section delivery, three postnatal care visits and vaccines for the child,” NHIF explained.
For an expectant mother to benefit from the Linda Mama program, she registers using her mobile phone by either dialling *155# or downloading the My NHIF mobile application. Further, upon registration, the membership is activated at the clinic following confirmation of pregnancy.
The Linda Mama program was initiated by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
