{"id":113771,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/113771/?format=json","text_counter":117,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Mr. Chanzu","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":11,"legal_name":"Yusuf Kifuma Chanzu","slug":"yusuf-chanzu"},"content":"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I want to thank the Minister for bringing out the guidelines that are necessary for these facilities to be upgraded to sub- district hospitals. But, Mr. Speaker, Sir, apart from the norms and standards, I would have felt that the Ministry would have expanded the criteria because there are many other considerations that should be taken into account, not only population. I am sure the Minister has considered this because he believes that Vihiga District Hospital is within that area. But I think what he is forgetting is that Vihiga District Hospital is almost like a referral hospital, as it serves a very large catchment area. Could the Minister consider, at least for the time being, allowing us to make a recommendation that he upgrades one of these facilities to a sub-district hospital because of the various factors that affect this place; the terrain, the distances and so on? There is the need that the Government is supposed to provide this to the citizens; they cannot put up buildings themselves---"}