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{
    "id": 1336962,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1336962/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 174,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Chuka/Igambang’ombe, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Patrick Ntwiga",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "universal health coverage, as envisaged in the manifesto of the Kenya Kwanza Government, we need to note that one of the key pillars of the sector is health products and technologies. A country that is unable to control and regulate health products and technologies may miss the mark in achievement of universal health coverage of its people. For a long time, the pharmaceutical industry in this country has not been very well regulated. That is why at times we have had drugs that do not meet the required standards on the shelves for almost a year. An example is what we witnessed last month where a syrup known as Tamedol, a pain reliever for children, was recalled from the market over alleged quality concerns. We are left with questions of how this drug got onto shelves and used for almost one year. This Bill seeks to put stringent measures in regulation of drugs and technologies in this country. Kenya is a growing economy. As a country, we would wish to join global markets in the manufacture of medicines, drugs and technologies. Currently, being at maturity level 1, Kenya is not in a position to export the drugs we manufacture from our local industry to other countries. What is envisioned in this Bill is to push the country towards maturity level 3 where our manufacturers can export locally manufactured drugs to other countries in the region. This will spur economic growth, and provide job opportunities to our people. This will be a great achievement for this Government. By strengthening the National Quality Control Laboratory, we will ensure that the drugs, medicines and technologies that get onto our shelves are safe for people. It is the function of the Government to ensure safety of its citizens. This Bill also seeks to regulate professionals around the business of drugs, that is, technologists and pharmacists. Unless we regulate the whole field of professionals, as a country, we might not move very well in the health sector. As we discuss achievement of primary healthcare, I want to reiterate that the centre of primary healthcare is medicine and technologies. When there is a free market where anybody gets what they want in the market or walk into any shop and get medicine that should be prescribed by a professional, it is a very tricky and dangerous place for us to be as Kenyans. Currently, one can walk into a local shop and buy medicine. Every shopkeeper in our villages has become a doctor who can prescribe medicine and tell you how it works and which one is stronger than the other. This Bill seeks to control that space so that we can have control in the sale and dispensation of drugs across the country. I second the Bill and insist that it is a very important piece of legislation, not only for this county, but for this administration. Healthcare is at the centre of the manifesto of the Kenya Kwanza Government. I second."
}