The Government through the ministry of Health has launched a free maternal healthcare program dubbed Linda Mama,Boresha Jamii in a bid to achieve universal access to quality maternal healthcare as well as reduce maternal morbility and mortality rates in the country.
Under the program, all pregnant women will now access antenatal, delivery and postnatal care free of charge in all public hospitals, faith-based and private healthcare facilities countrywide.
“Prioritizing the survival and health of women and girls requires recognition of their high value within the society. The launch of Linda Mama is a great step towards improving access and quality of maternal, new-born and child healthcare services for all Kenyans,” said health cabinet secretary Cleopa Mailu while launching the initiative on Tuesday.
Beneficiaries of the services will be able to access antenatal care,screening for diseases and immunization for early infants,emergency healthcare services for complications,outpatient care for infants and child welfare clinics.
“Linda Mama program is a strategic effort made by the government to reduce the financial burden to families. It is also aimed at enhancing social protection to improve access to healthcare essential to achievement of Vision 2030 and Goal 3 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015-2030,” added Mailu.