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{
    "id": 1021589,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1021589/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 165,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Rarieda, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) Otiende Amollo",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13465,
        "legal_name": "Paul Otiende Amollo",
        "slug": "paul-otiende-amollo"
    },
    "content": "extent that, at least, 10,000 Kenyans seek medical referral outside annually, about 96 per cent of whom seek it in India at a cost of about Kshs1.5 billion. From my research, this covers cancer, surgery and cardiovascular diseases. But Kenya is a net importer in the sense that a lot of people who are unwell within the East and Central Africa region find it convenient to come to Kenya for referral for medical treatment. It appears to me that we must do two things. First, we must make sure we improve on qualities internally so much so that we can increase the number of those who seek referral within Kenya at affordable prices as a net importer. Secondly, we must ensure that unwarranted references abroad are things to be avoided, especially references to institutions that are not competent and overcharge. On that account, I think this amendment is apt. This amendment enables us to scrutinise the institutions which doctors are referring people to and how we can cross- check them. We live in country, and this is a fact because I have been told by three doctors, where referral abroad has become a business even when it is not necessary. There are doctors who have established links with certain institutions and they routinely refer patients there at a commission. That is unethical! Once they do that, they have no responsibility in terms of what happens thereafter. So, some people who are referred need not be referred, others are not properly treated, and some are referred and charged exorbitant prices with no one to regulate them. To the extent that you find it necessary to even regulate academic institutions abroad and say only when you go to these institutions will you be recognized. We should have a situation where, through the Cabinet Secretary, we have guidelines and have the person referring to have what we call in law, a residual duty, as a referee. You as the person referring this other person, is it an institution that can treat? Is it necessary? Is it reasonable? So that when it becomes outrageous, you can be held residually responsible."
}