The Mountain Journal
The maternal support programme in Murang’a, suspended following claims of corruption, has been re-activated and millions of shillings have been paid to the mothers.
The programme has registered 4,104 mothers who delivered in public health facilities between November last year and June 30, who have been awarded Sh3,000 and others enrolled in the NHIF programme by the county government.
The verification was ordered by Governor Irungu Kang’ata following claims there were undeserving persons whose names had been sneaked into the lists.
Launching the payment exercise, Murang’a Health CEC Dr Fredrick Mbugua said the maternal support initiative has reduced the mortality rate with mothers encouraged to attend antenatal clinics.
“ The programme has been on many benefits as the number of expectant mothers attending antenatal and post-natal clinics is encouraging thus reducing threats,” said Dr Mbugua.
Accompanied by MCAs Gladys Chege and Sherleen Wambui, Mbugua said the county government has also made several interventions to address the healthcare concerns through the rehabilitation and the construction of additional medical wards in various facilities.
Nursing officer Ms Salome Kimani said in the maternal programme Kiharu registered 1,000 out of which 780 mothers turned up to collect their money and other gifts from the county government.
“ In Mathioya we have 460 mothers and hope more will benefit from the programme,” said Kimani.
The MCAs urged the teenage mothers to resume learning after the delivery saying education is an empowerment tool.
In the programme, seven percent of the mothers were teenagers, and the MCAs said should be encouraged and supported to go back to school and pursue their goals.
