As the doctors and other health workers continue with their respective strikes across the country demanding for the government to implement their collective bargaining agreements – CBAs, women MPs are now calling on the government to bring back the Linda Mama Health program that used to cater for expectant mothers before, during and after delivery.
The MPs who addressed the media at parliament buildings led by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba and Suba North MP Millie Grace Odhiambo showed concern how fellow women are suffering during this period of the strike and without basic cover for their maternity services.
They pointed out that at the moment women who are expectant can not get services in public hospitals because there are no doctors and other health workers, there is no Linda Mama to cater for their expenses and also the National Hospital Insurance NHIF cards are no longer working in private hospitals hence the women are left on their own.
“With the current doctors strike, most mothers are now languishing and agonizing in our public hospitals because there are no doctors and the Linda Mama is not working and the NHIF cards are no longer accepted in private facilities hence our mothers are now vulnerable and have been left on their own,” said Wa Muchomba.
They have called on the government through the ministry of health to reactivate the Linda Mama program to continue serving the women in the country as the other new card awaits commencement in the month of July 2024.
They have accused the health cabinet secretary Susan Nakhumicha for suspending the Linda mama and NHIF programs without having proper arrangements to take care of Kenyans especially women and children who are vulnerable during this transition period.
“We are wondering what will happen to mothers who are due for delivery in this month of April, May and June, should they hold their babies in the stomachs until June when the new card is ready before delivering or what happens,” noted Catherine Omanyo, Busia Woman Representative.
The legislators drawn from different political affiliations added that they are embarrassed with the health CS Susan Nakhumicha the way she is handling the various issues in her docket especially those affecting fellow women.
“As a woman madam Nakhumicha we expected that you understand more the plight of your fellow women and mothers and as women MPs we are ready to support you at all costs but we are surprised that you are the one who is sabotaging your fellow women,” said Millie Odhiambo.
Some of the MPs have called for the removal of Nakhumicha from the health docket and be given another docket noting that the health docket has proved to be heavier to handle for her as others vowed to support motion for her removal as cabinet secretary.
“We are not saying that she be sacked but we just want her to be transferred to another ministry like agriculture or elsewhere because it seems she can’t handle the health docket,” said Omanyo.
Nakhumicha is expected to appear before the floor of the national assembly tomorrow (wednesday) to answer questions on the doctors strike and other issues surrounding her docket.
