Though SHA policy on teenagers in need of maternal care remains a grey area, an insider at SHA hinted to The Standard that teenage mothers are entitled to a dedicated package of services under the new health insurance scheme.
But lack of awareness and poor coordination at health facilities is leaving many without care. "There is a special identification number that should be issued to teenage mothers.
They should be getting services, and those who cannot pay are covered by government funds," the official explained. "Once a teenager is identified at the hospital as being pregnant, their data should be keyed in the SHA system for access to care." The special identification number is only issued at Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals.
However, despite the existence of the scheme, many adolescents continue to struggle.
