The Social Health Authority (SHA) has rolled out a transformative policy to guarantee expectant mothers access to essential maternal health services, irrespective of their contribution status.

This bold move aims to tackle barriers to maternal healthcare, prioritising the reduction of maternal and perinatal deaths among financially constrained women.

SHA Chairman Robert Ingasira, in a letter to all contracted Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities, underscored the significance of this initiative in addressing healthcare inequities.

“All expectant women seeking antenatal care, delivery services, postnatal care, and any complications arising from pregnancy or maternity should not be denied service at any contracted facility, as long as they are registered with the SHA,” he stated.

The directive mandates PHC facilities to offer a comprehensive range of maternal health services to registered beneficiaries.

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These include antenatal care, safe delivery services, postnatal care, and management of complications related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Crucially, financial constraints will no longer bar women from receiving care, ensuring inclusivity and equity in maternal health provision.

To ease the implementation, the SHA has committed to dedicated funds and set up a reimbursement mechanism for PHC facilities. Antenatal and postnatal care will be reimbursed through outpatient capitation at Sh900 per beneficiary annually.

Delivery services will follow gazetted rates, with Sh10,000 allocated for normal deliveries and Sh30,000 for caesarean sections. Hospitalisation due to complications will attract reimbursements aligned with the Kenya Essential Package for Health.

This financial structure not only supports PHC facilities but also incentivises them to uphold high-quality standards. By reducing financial strain, the policy empowers facilities to extend their reach and accommodate more patients in need.

The SHA’s policy is anticipated to dramatically enhance maternal and perinatal health outcomes by ensuring timely access to skilled care during pregnancy and postpartum stages. It represents a critical step forward in achieving equitable healthcare for all expectant mothers in Kenya.