How to register for NHIF Linda Mama cover

NHIF Linda Mama is a basic healthcare package that targets expectant mothers who are otherwise unable to pay for healthcare services. A public funded health scheme that will ensure that pregnant women and infants have access to quality and affordable health services. Linda Mama’s goal is to achieve universal cases to maternal and child health services, ensuring that pregnant women as well as infants have access to quality healthcare for 6 months after delivery at no charge.

Linda Mama services

The Linda Mama program has impressive services for every stage of pregnancy. 

1. Antenatal care

Antenatal profile:

• Hemoglobin levels (Hb).
• Blood group.
• Rhesus.
• Serology (VDRL/RPR).
• Screening for tuberculosis (TB Screening).
• HIV testing including counseling.
• Urinalysis.

Preventive services:

• Tetanus toxoid:
  • T.T. 1: Given to primigravida or on first contact.
  • T.T. 2: Given not less than 4 weeks after T.T. 1.
  • T.T. 3: Given during the second pregnancy any time before 32 weeks of gestation.
  • T. T. 4: Given during the third pregnancy any time before 32 weeks of gestation.
  • T. T. 5-: Given during the fourth pregnancy and offers protection for life.
• Malaria prophylaxis:
  • Given at 4 weeks interval from 16 weeks to term in malaria endemic areas.
  • Issue long lasting insecticidal net (LLIN).
• Deworming:
  • Mebendazole 500 mg given once in the second trimester.
• Iron and Folate:
  • Ferrous fumarate (Combined Tablet-60mg iron and 400 µg folic acid) or any other available.
  • 1st visit: If below 16 weeks, give 90 tablets.
  • 2nd visit: At 28 weeks, give 90 tablets.
  • 3rd visit: At 32 weeks give 60 tablets.
  • 4th visit: At 36 weeks give 30 tablets.

Prevention of Mother to Child transmission (PMTCT):

• For mothers who have tested HIV positive, administer ARVs to mother and baby as recommended.

2. Postnatal care

Postpartum period: From the time of expulsion of the placenta up to 42 days (6 weeks). Comprises of at least four focused personalized visits or assessments after birth to at least 6 months postnatal. Recommended as follows:

Within 48 hours after birth:

• Mother:
  • Analgesics.
  • Vitamin A (200,000 iu).
  • Iron and folate supplements.
  • Issue long lasting insecticidal net (LLIN).
  • Appropriate Family Planning method.
  • If HIV positive, treat as appropriate.
  • Treat or refer any complications.
• Newborn:
  • Tetracycline eye ointment (1%).
  • Vitamin K.
  • Immunization (Immunization and birth polio).
  • Infant prophylaxis for HIV if indicated.
  • Treat or refer any complications.

Within 1- 2 weeks after birth:

• Mother and baby:
  • Screen for cervical cancer, Sexually transmitted infections, Tuberculosis, etc.
  • Give treatment/ preventive measures if not previously administered.
  • Treat or refer any complications.

Within 4- 6 weeks after birth:

• Mother:
  • Family Planning method of choice.
  • Screen for cervical cancer, Sexually transmitted infections, Tuberculosis, etc.
  • Treat any complications as detected.
• Infant:
  • Immunizations as per schedule.
  • Early infant diagnosis if mother is HIV positive.
  • Treat any complications as detected.

Within 4- 6 months after birth:

• Mother:
  • Offer Family Planning method of choice.
  • Screen for cervical cancer, Sexually transmitted infections, Tuberculosis, etc.
  • Treat any complications as detected.
• Infant:
  • Immunizations as per schedule.
  • Vitamin A supplementation.

Linda Mama registration requirements

Here are the requirements you must meet before signing up for the Linda Mama cover.

1. Pregnant women of age 18 years and above will be registered using their national identification cards and Antenatal care records.
2. Pregnant women under 18 years will be registered using their guardians’ national identification cards and Antenatal care record.
3. Pregnant women without national identification cards or guardians will be registered using Antenatal care records.
4. Once you are registered, you can claim the cover through:
   • Presentation of FMS number assigned on registration.
   • Presentation of client’s national ID/guardian’s national ID.
   • Confirmation of pregnancy including gestation stage.
   • Presentation of Free Maternal Services (FMS) number assigned on registration.

How to register for NHIF Linda Mama package

All Kenyan pregnant women are eligible for the Free Maternal Services (FMS) through the NHIF Linda Mama programme. Once this requirement is met, you can simply complete your registration for this package by following these steps.

1. Dial *263# and pick the language that you would like to proceed with.
2. Select “NHIF Registration” from the pop-up menu that appears.
3. On the next pop-up menu, select “Free Maternity” as the scheme.
4. Then proceed to choose your identity type, either Kenyan ID, Antenatal Card, Passport, or Alien Card to complete the registration process.
5. On successful registration, a membership card will be issued which you can visit an NHIF branch to collect.