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{
    "id": 1237761,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1237761/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 78,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Tharaka, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. George Murugara",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Deputy Speaker, I agree the Bill is a proposed amendment, but it does not seek to amend Section 79. It seeks to introduce a new Section 79A, totally distinct from Section 79. If there is any repetition, we should be informed in this Report which sections of the Act cover areas that are being proposed to be introduced. We are not being told that. We are simply being told the Health Act covers the areas that are proposed to be introduced and that there are rules and regulations that cover the same areas. The issues being raised by the Departmental Committee on Health will come up at the Committee of the Whole House. That is when we shall consider the Bill clause by clause, making a contra-distinction between the existing sections and what is proposed. Therefore, it is not right for the Committee to kill this Bill at this stage. Let us get to the Committee of the whole House and we deal with it. That notwithstanding, some of the arguments that are being raised, especially by the Memorandum from the Ministry of Health, are not convincing. There are rules and regulations under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Act, the Referral of Patients Abroad Rules. That is not the Health Act! It is a totally different Act. We are dealing with the Health Act itself. That is where we want to anchor Section 79A. We are also told that there is an ongoing process of developing policy guidelines with regard to medical transfer and medical tourism, which was started in 2014. That is almost 10 years ago and nothing has been done. The work of this House is to ensure that all spheres of our lives are covered by the necessary legislation. This is what Hon. Didmus Barasa is trying to do. We ought to disagree with the Departmental Committee on Health and allow Hon. Didmus Barasa to prosecute this proposed amendment at the Committee of the Whole House. We will all look at it and see what suits our country best. If there is any repetition, especially in the Health Act, we shall deal with it. I am not 100 per cent sure that what is under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Act applies to the Health Act. If it does, then it will be brought to our attention. As it stands today, the proposal is a very good amendment, so that when referrals are made from one hospital to another, it is clear to everyone - medical 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."
}