About the research group
Healthcare schemes can be a form of social protection that aims to improve health outcomes and thereby contribute to inclusive development. In Kenya, user fees at primary care facilities and for maternal healthcare constitute a barrier to access healthcare. To address this, in 2013 the government formulated a Free Healthcare Policy (FHP) that led to waiver of all user fees for maternity services in all public health facilities. Another intervention, which offers households an affordable health insurance package, is the Community Healthcare Plan (TCHP) for dairy farmers in the informal sector. It was initiated in Nandi County, Kenya in 2011. This study compares the cost effectiveness and impact of the FHP and the TCHP interventions and how they lead to inclusive development.