Smart Cards Offer Medical Insurance in Kenya | Sustainable Development

medical insurance companies in kenya

Smart Cards Offer Medical Insurance in Kenya

A medical smart card system in Kenya is allowing mothers to save up towards the cost of childbirth at the country's largest maternal hospital.

The prepaid card enables women to top-up small amounts of money through the M-PESA mobile-phone based transfer facility, to then use when visiting the Pumwami Maternity Hospital in Nairobi. M-PESA, (M for mobile, pesa is Swahili for money) has become a huge hit in Kenya since its introduction in March 2007 and there are currently 2.3 million registered users. It provides a branchless banking service that is highly affordable and highly practical, especially in rural areas. Its use in the maternity smart card scheme has helped encourage women to take part: since early July, 500 cards have been purchased. The scheme is being set up by Changamka Microhealth, a M... http://insurance-group.ucoz.com/news/medical_insurance_companies_in_kenya/2013-06-13-3087