The government is set to reintroduce the popular Linda Mama maternity care programme with expanded benefits, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has announced.

In response to persistent public calls for the programme’s reinstatement, the government has committed to bringing back the programme, which was widely lauded for its impact on maternal and child health and will be re-launched under the same name albeit with significantly improved coverage. 

PS Muthoni confirmed that the decision to reinstate Linda Mama follows overwhelming public demand.

To ensure the new iteration meets the needs of expectant mothers, the government is currently engaging the public to gather input on the desired scope of benefits.

"I want to confirm it's coming back bigger and better because we are a listening government we are a listening Ministry we hear and what we go to is public participation when people tell us this is what we want then it is packaged together," Muthoni stated.

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As part of the broader Social Health Insurance Fund, Linda Mama will operate as a dedicated component with its own budget.

"So Linda mama is coming back this is going to be a program under SHIF just like it used to be so we will not have to separate programs but Linda mama is going to be a standalone program to take care of the mothers and the children NHIF is extended on and until when SHIF is going to roll out so we have not stopped Linda mama," Mothoni added.

A key feature of the enhanced programme is comprehensive care, covering both normal and caesarean deliveries without additional out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries.

The government has already allocated initial funding for the revamped Linda Mama and plans to secure additional resources during the upcoming budget process.

"In fact this year alone we have injected 2.3 billion Shillings for Linda Mama program and out of this it's going to take care of the mothers who are pregnant and it should not be a challenge going to the health facility to deliver," the PS said.

The return of Linda Mama is expected to be welcomed by expectant mothers across the country, who stand to benefit from improved access to quality maternal healthcare.