Smart cards to stem maternal deaths

By Luke Anami - Published on 07/12/2010

An estimated 7,000 women in Kenya die annually from pregnancy-related complications due to inability to access medical care. Another 52 out of 1,000 children die at birth. But this is set to change with the introduction of a new smart card payment platform.It is now easier for pregnant women to deliver in hospitals without the pains of carrying hard cash, thanks to the introduction of mobile money transfer technology.

Through a partnership programme with Pumwani Maternity Hospital, mothers in low-income areas who have no access to medical schemes and insurance can save money on the Changamka Smart Card, thanks to Changamka MicrcoHealth Ltd.

"In the convergence of the 3Ms (Mobile), — M-technology, M-money and M-health, expectant mothers can now top up prepaid cards with small amounts of money using M-Pesa," says Samuel Agutu, Managing Director Changamka Microhealth Ltd.

The system, also known as m-health, allows users to transfer money via M-Pesa to a prepaid smart card. The prepaid electronic smart card, known as Changamka (Swahili for "Get a life" or "Cheer Up"), enables the bearer to save and receive outpatient primary health care treatment at a pre-contracted price.

"When pregnant women visit the hospital to give birth, the hospital fees are taken out of their smart cards," says Agutu. "This way, families aren’t hit with a big fee all at once. The use of Changamka would boost the usage of quality ante-natal and maternity facilities among the low income women in Kenya," he adds.

Agutu says under the scheme, an expectant mother is required to purchase one Changamka card at Sh450. The next step is to find out the cost of delivery at the hospital. "In the case of Pumwani Maternity Hospital, it is Sh 3,600 per delivery," Agutu said.

Once this is ascertained, the card bearer can top up the smart card using M-Pesa with at least Sh600 per month for a period of six months or more during the pregnancy period. Money thus saved is available for ante-natal, delivery and post-natal care as well as outpatient treatment for themselves and their families. At the time of delivery or any other service, the bearer of the smart card presents the card to Pumwani hospital. "The cost due will be deducted from the savings on the card," Agutu added.

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