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{
    "id": 1147289,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1147289/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 592,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Khwisero, ANC",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Christopher Wangaya",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13368,
        "legal_name": "Christopher Aseka Wangaya",
        "slug": "christopher-aseka-wangaya"
    },
    "content": "the Commission for their benefit and wellbeing. The Committee is also charged with the responsibility of advising and reporting on all matters connected to the services and facilities. The Committee is, therefore, the forum through which Members of the National Assembly channel views regarding their welfare to the Commission. Following the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, the Committee considered several matters that relate to the health and wellbeing of Members of Parliament. From our experience, it is apparent that COVID-19 and other communicable diseases are not going anywhere soon. Members require to be equipped with coping strategies. It is, therefore, our wish to request the National Assembly to impress upon the Parliamentary Service Commission to consider establishing a unit to be known as the Parliamentary Health Services Unit. Members who have perused the Report would have noted that it explores the possibility of establishing the Unit. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the Committee for their input and valuable contribution during the deliberations and in writing this Report. The Committee takes this opportunity to thank the offices of the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly for the logistical support provided. The PSC Strategic Plan 2019-2030 aligned its vision to the Government’s Vision 2030 and the subsequent Big Four Agenda. Notably, some of the strategic objectives support the wellness of Members and staff of Parliament. Moreover, the plan envisions to create an enabling environment to facilitate Members of Parliament to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional mandate as per the following strategic objectives: a) Strategic objective 10 speaks to excellent service delivery, which considers the wellness of Members and staff of Parliament for effective and efficient service delivery. b) Strategic Objective 17 - Embrace a green compliant Parliament which envisions adopting and implementing modern waste recycling technologies in Parliament. c) Strategic Objective 18 - Create a parliamentary square of modern facilities and a secure working environment to provide adequate facilities and securities for Members and staff of Parliament. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, in view of the above, it is proposed that a comprehensive one-stop preventive Health Unit be established within Parliament to offer early detection and referrals services and plan the coordination of current and future emergency health events. Although the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) is committed to the welfare of the Members and staff as demonstrated through provision of a comprehensive medical scheme, there is significant evidence regarding the burden of disease attributable to the environment and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The poor health habits of many workers, growing rates of chronic disease and the rising cost of health services necessitate creation of wellness programmes to cater for health-risk assessments and screenings. It is imperative to put more emphasis on health programmes that seek to improve the quality of life of its Members and staff of Parliament while at the same time reduce the rising costs for its employees’ health care. Indeed, studies have also shown that corporate wellness or wellness programmes are successful in helping workers make positive health changes due to several factors such as convenience, environmental support, and co-worker or social acceptance. The deployment of a Public Health Specialist from the Ministry of Health to Parliament was not only well timed just before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a great milestone in the realisation of mitigation measures. The Commission could consider guaranteeing the gains The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}