Lamu County boasts a diverse network of healthcare facilities designed to serve its residents and visitors. These facilities include government-owned, private, and faith-based institutions offering comprehensive maternity care services. The introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), has further enhanced access to maternity services, enabling expectant mothers to benefit from affordable or free care under the Universal Health Coverage program.
This article highlights the best maternity hospitals in Lamu County, providing details on their services, locations, and contact information.
1. Ibnusina Nursing Home
Ibnusina Nursing Home is a leading private healthcare facility in Lamu County that offers quality maternity services. The facility is approved by the Social Health Authority (SHA) for free maternity services under the Linda Mama program.
- Location: Harambee Road, Lamu Town
- Services: Maternity care, general consultations, laboratory services.
- Contact: 0721 447 985, 0721 907 742
2. King Fahd Lamu County Referral Hospital
As the largest government healthcare facility in Lamu County, King Fahd Lamu County Referral Hospital provides specialized maternity care alongside other essential medical services. Managed by the Lamu County Government, the hospital has well-trained staff and modern equipment.
- Location: Lamu Island
- Services: Maternity care, gynecology, radiology, physiotherapy, dental care, surgical operations, and general consultations.
- Contact: 0779 783 888
3. Siha Hospital
Siha Hospital is a popular choice for its affordability and high-quality care. Its maternity wing offers a range of services designed to ensure safe deliveries.
- Location: Along the Lamu-Mpeketoni Highway
- Services: Maternity care, immunization, nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, laboratory services.
- Contact: 0714 933 270
4. Langoni Nursing Home
Langoni Nursing Home is well-regarded for providing personalized maternity care to expectant mothers in Lamu West.
- Location: Mpeketoni, Lamu West
- Services: Maternity care, outpatient services, and basic laboratory tests.
- Contact: 0715 833 771, 0707 400 212
5. Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital
Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital is a public healthcare facility equipped to handle maternity cases. It plays a key role in ensuring safe deliveries in the region.
- Location: Mpeketoni Town
- Services: Maternity care, antenatal services, family planning, laboratory services.
- Contact: 0743 615 114
6. Witu Health Centre
This government-run facility is dedicated to providing affordable healthcare, including maternity services, to residents in Witu and its surrounding areas.
- Location: Witu, Along the Lamu-Mombasa Road
- Services: Maternity care, family planning, counseling, lab tests.
- Contact: 0718 050 197
7. Faza Sub-County Hospital
Located in Lamu East, Faza Sub-County Hospital provides round-the-clock medical care, including maternity services. The facility is government-owned and focuses on maternal and child health.
- Location: Faza, Lamu East
- Services: 24-hour emergency care, maternity services, antenatal and postnatal care.
- Contact: 0725 431 864
8. Hongwe Catholic Dispensary
As a faith-based institution, Hongwe Catholic Dispensary combines affordability with compassion-driven care. It is owned by the Kenya Episcopal Catholic Secretariat and offers basic maternal services.
- Location: Hongwe
- Services: Maternity care, immunization, counseling.
9. Shella Dispensary
Shella Dispensary is a government health facility that serves residents and visitors of Shella. Its maternity services are accessible and affordable, aligning with SHA programs.
- Location: Shella, Lamu
- Services: General medical care, maternity services, consultations.
10. Maria Teressa Nuzzo Health Centre
Managed by the Kenya Episcopal Catholic Secretariat, this faith-based health center offers reliable maternal care and general treatment services.
- Location: Baharini
- Services: Maternity care, general treatment, counseling.
The Role of the Social Health Authority (SHA)
With the transition from NHIF to SHA, expectant mothers can now access free or subsidized maternity services in both public and some private hospitals under the Linda Mama program. This initiative has improved maternal health outcomes in Lamu County by reducing financial barriers.
Key benefits of SHA include:
- Enhanced access to quality healthcare services.
- Coverage of maternity costs, including antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
- Collaboration with private and faith-based hospitals to widen service reach.
How to Choose the Best Maternity Hospital in Lamu County
When selecting a maternity hospital, consider the following factors:
- Location: Choose a facility that is easily accessible, especially during emergencies.
- Services Offered: Ensure the hospital provides comprehensive maternity care, including antenatal and postnatal services.
- SHA Approval: Opt for hospitals participating in SHA programs for affordable care.
- Facility Reputation: Look for reviews and recommendations from other patients.
- Equipment and Staff: Select a hospital with qualified staff and modern equipment for safe deliveries.
Access to quality maternity care is vital for the health of mothers and newborns. Lamu County offers a variety of facilities, from government hospitals to private and faith-based institutions, ensuring that every expectant mother can find the care she needs. With the introduction of SHA, maternity services have become more accessible and affordable, fostering better maternal health outcomes.
If you are an expectant mother in Lamu County, take advantage of the SHA programs to secure quality and affordable care. Explore the listed hospitals and make informed decisions for your health and that of your baby.
