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{
    "id": 1032391,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1032391/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 300,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Bomachoge Borabu, Independent",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Prof.) Zadoc Ogutu",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13302,
        "legal_name": "Zadoc Abel Ogutu",
        "slug": "zadoc-abel-ogutu-2"
    },
    "content": "The experience that has been narrated by Hon. Kiai is heart touching. Early this afternoon, we discussed about a situation where one of our colleagues has passed away. We are not sure about the circumstances under which he passed away. Now we are here listening to a case where God has rescued one of our colleagues to come and tell his story. This House is privileged to stand firm and protect the Constitution of this country, especially Article 43 on human rights. We are talking about the NHIF which is supposed to cover the expenses that Kenyan citizens meet when they go for treatment. I have seen the NHIF going round with mixed communication and very poor coordination. At this stage when we need its services most, they are being denied. I want to remind the Members of this honourable House that this is an issue that affects us and our electorate directly. We must stand firm and provide the necessary direction to ensure that our people do not die and, at the end of the day, we are left without people to lead. The Fund has not been well-managed. That is why it has not grown to sustain, even under normal circumstances, the increasing need for medical services. The Fund has been exposed to more challenges with the pandemic. As Members of this House, we need to come out strongly and direct the Fund to provide services, especially lab tests which they have already indicated they are supposed to provide. Even within the original clause, it is not said that a pandemic will not be covered. Now we are in a pandemic and the Fund’s services have been quickly withdrawn. It is very unfortunate. I request the Departmental Committee on Health to provide us with a way forward in terms of the resources and implications so that we can support those who need those health services at this particular time. Today, I am grieving. I lost Colonel Oyunge from my village due to COVID-19. He has not been buried. A few days ago, I also lost one of the lecturers at Kisii University, Zachary Kebati. I guess this is due to the inadequate services where those people were taken for health support. If there is anything that we can provide in this country without being divided, it is health facilities. Without those facilities, we will have no people to lead. I sympathize and wait for deeper debate on this matter."
}