Voucher Distribution and Healthcare Utilization

The voucher program was launched first in Kisumu in June 2006. By December 2006, the program was set into operation in all other project sites as well.
By October 2007, more than 65,000 vouchers had been sold and approximately 34,000 claims were processed. Approximately 69 % of the sold vouchers were for safe motherhood services. The rate of service provision is going up and the number of waivers for clients unable to pay their bills has gone down. In the participating hospitals the number of safe motherhood clients has increased significantly.

Identifications and outreach to the target group of the program (economically disadvantaged women of reproductive age in rural and slum areas) has gone very well. However, it was found marketing strategies have different effects in the districts as opposed to urban slums and have been appropriately adapted to suit regional distinctions.

For the clients, the advantages of purchasing a voucher are straightforward:

• the price of service is lower (safe motherhood: 200 KES compared to prices ranging from 600 KES to 1.500 KES in public health facilities where very often additional financial means are required such as buying drugs, gloves and other commodities, let alone under the table payments),
• the quality is better (all facilities are accredited by the NHIF), and
• the service is more comprehensive (including ante- and postnatal care).