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{
"id": 1030703,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1030703/?format=api",
"text_counter": 74,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Murkomen",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 440,
"legal_name": "Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen",
"slug": "kipchumba-murkomen"
},
"content": "Neuromylitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), also known as Devic Disease, is a chronic disorder of the brain and spinal cord dominated by inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), and inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis). Draw the attention of the Senate to the following- THAT MS is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body’s own defenses to destroy neurons in the brain and spinal cord. THAT NMOSD, also known as Devic Disease, is a chronic disorder of the brain and spinal cord dominated by inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), and inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis). THAT both NMO and MS are debilitating diseases because they affect the nerves. When you suffer from MS or NMO, the body destroys myelin, the fatty insulating material that covers the nerve fibers that form part of the nervous system, which controls all body functions. THAT the demyelinated nerves cannot transmit impulses to the brain or spinal cord, and from the muscles in the body. Consequently, MS and NMO patients sometimes have difficulty with simple things like swallowing food, blinking, vague vision, controlling their bladder and limbs, or focusing their eyes on an object. FURTHER, symptoms of MS depend on which part of the nervous system is targeted. Common problems may include, fatigue, continence problems, sexual problems, constipation, pain, cognitive thought related changes, altered sensation, and muscular and visual changes. THAT a person with MS or NMO may struggle to come to terms with their disease. They might fear for the future or suffer from low self-esteem, because of the physical changes that they experience. FURTHER, MS can target virtually any part of the nervous system. It can affect the nerves of the reproductive organs, which leads to changes in sexual functioning; slowed arousal time, reduced libido or desire, and altered orgasmic response are not uncommon experiences. THAT the growing burden of MS and NMO disease has been raised as one of the most significant barriers to the attainment of Universal Healthcare (UHC). In line with the Big Four Agenda of UHC, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) does not cover MS cases. Most patients end up as Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). THAT we have made the best efforts to have these matters addressed by the relevant authorities, all of which have failed to give a satisfactory response. THAT none of these issues raised in this Petition is pending in a court of law, a constitutional or any other legal body. THEFORE, your humble Petitioners pray that the Senate investigates this matter, and (1) Initiates the subsidy of the price of medicine to more affordable prices. A Disease Modifying Drug (DMD), or weekly injections can go to as high as Kshs100,000. (2) Intervenes in the matter with a view to ensure that there are more and qualified specialists in all hospitals, especially district hospitals. MS and NMO resemble several other autoimmune diseases. A pinpoint diagnosis would help management of the disease before one gets to the progressive stage of the disease which is rarely manageable. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}