Expectant mothers in hospital.[Photo/Nation]
Expectant mothers have been directed to register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund inorder to benefit from the free maternity programme.
A directive from NHIF indicates that those who fail to register will be required to pay cash should they show up for the free delivery services.
NHIF CEO Mr Geoffrey Mwangi, said it is important for them to register to ensure they have an easy time when they seek the services.
“Since we are handling the programme, it is appropriate for expectant mothers to register with the fund,” he added.
Mr Mwangi said being a contributor and registering for the free maternity programme were two different things.
“When you are a contributor, you stand to benefit from many other packages and that includes the mother’s dependant. But with the Linda Mama programme, it’s only the mother and the child who benefit for six months,” said Mr Mwangi.
He said registering does not mean that one remits the monthly Sh500.
“After registration, you can either decide to be a member or not,” he said