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{
    "id": 1147290,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1147290/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 593,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Khwisero, ANC",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Christopher Wangaya",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13368,
        "legal_name": "Christopher Aseka Wangaya",
        "slug": "christopher-aseka-wangaya"
    },
    "content": "by establishing a fully-fledged Health and Wellness Unit within its control. Urgent matters such as COVID-19 tests and vaccination would be efficiently and effectively handled from within. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, the justification for this proposal to establish the Health Unit is informed by the gaps identified in practice and when addressed will inform the effective implementation of the PSC Strategic Plan 2019-2030. There is inadequate coordination of health functions due to lack of technical health expertise in wellness, food safety and quality control, sanitation, environment and waste management, health promotion and education/empowerment, vector vermin control/pest control, emergency response during public health events, health risk assessments, among others. I will move to the objectives of the Health and Wellness Centre. Through the wellness programme, the aim is to enhance the health of Members and staff of Parliament which will ultimately increase productivity. Also the Health and Wellness Unit will: a) Provide a healthy and safe work environment that will support employee’s health and wellbeing. b) Enhance professional knowledge and skills of employees for improved productivity and retention. c) Build the knowledge, skill, and ability of staff to take control over their wellbeing by helping individuals become actively involved in activities that improve their personal health. d) Reduce or eliminate unnecessary stress caused by the work environment. e) Ensure HIV/AIDS, nutrition and lifestyle awareness, prevention, non-discrimination, and health support. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, this Unit has several benefits. The wellness programme is a health promotion tool and a great investment for the organisation. Through this programme, employees would be motivated to perform well in their optimal physical and psychological health. Employees are also more likely to be attracted to continue serving in the organisation. Indeed, wellness programmes are critical to improving the health of individuals as most adults spend more of their working hours at work, making it a great venue for promoting healthful habits. The worksite organisational culture and environment are, therefore, powerful influences on behaviour and these needs to be put to use as a means of helping workers to adopt a healthier lifestyle. As I conclude, I wish to note that the Committee recommends that: a) The PSC considers establishing a “Wellness and Health Unit” within Parliament with a clinic and public health; and, health club sections. b) The PSC considers refurbishing the current Health Club in compliance with the protocols and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on containment of COVID- 19. The PSC should channel the budget meant for outsourcing health club services towards setting up a Health and Wellness Unit. c) That notwithstanding, the Commission should expedite the completion of the multi- storey building to provide a lasting solution on the issue of a Health and Wellness Unit. d) The PSC should consider putting Health Club staffers on a five-year contract renewable upon satisfactory performance in line with the Parliamentary Service Act. e) The National Youth Service (NYS) sourced officers who have obtained invaluable experience in protection of Members and property of Parliament in the past 5 years should be considered for permanent employment within the PSC. 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."
}