‘Linda Mama has not been scrapped’ – CS Nakhumicha
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has disclosed that the Linda Mama program has not been scrapped.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Health Committee on Thursday, June 13, 2024, on the progress of transitioning from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), Nakhumicha stated that SHA covers entire households which ensures all mothers continue to access maternity services offered under the Linda Mama program.
Acknowledging the impact of Linda Mama on the health sector, Nakhumicha stated that it was one of the vertical programs under NHIF. 
“Linda Mama has not been scrapped off. It was one of the vertical programs under NHIF. Now, the Social Health Authority (SHA) covers entire households, ensuring that all mothers continue to access maternity services offered under the Linda Mama program,” she said.
Apart from Linda Mama, EduAfya which was under NHIF will also transition to SHA to enable coverage of the school-going children.
“Additionally, coverage now extends to school-going children, who were previously beneficiaries of EduAfya,” she disclosed.
“Linda Mama has not been scrapped off. It was one of the vertical programs under NHIF. Now, the Social Health Authority (SHA) covers entire households, ensuring that all mothers continue to access maternity services offered under the Linda Mama program. Additionally, coverage now… pic.twitter.com/5O8wifLdHN— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) June 13, 2024
NHIF vs SHA
On June 12, CS Nakhumicha disclosed that the ministry is in the process of implementing the SHA adding that they have included the pharmacy services that were not covered under NHIF.
“We are in the stage of implementing the Social Health Authority. One significant addition, not previously present in the NHIF, is the inclusion of pharmacy services,” she said.
She also said that community pharmacists will be registered as service providers and will be integrated into primary care networks, the Social Health Insurance Fund ecosystem under SHA to enhance health promotion.
“Community pharmacists will now be integrated into primary care networks, registered as service providers,” Nakhumicha said.
Nakhumicha further stated that pharmacists play a critical role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), particularly in ensuring the security of health products.
Affirming the government's commitment, Nakhumicha said that through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the ministry will be able to implement regulatory measures that ensure the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and quality for all drugs, chemical substances, and medical devices, regardless of their origin or use.
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