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{
    "id": 1344201,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1344201/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 384,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nandi County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Cynthia Muge",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "We had submissions from many institutions and individuals. The enumeration can be 50. We all agreed that this Bill upholds the right to access affordable and comprehensive health services in this country. This is one of the most progressive Bills because we are progressing from the older NHIF. If you remember, NHIF was providing for outpatient services only. This Bill has gone ahead and provided inpatient services. When we are dealing with the current NHIF, we almost term it as an institution that only pays for students boarding expenses in the hospital or, maybe, I should say ‘lodging expenses’. This Bill is very progressive. It has considered older persons. It has considered the indigent, vulnerable people, and those who are under lawful custody. People who are under lawful custody have a share in this Bill and they will be covered by the funds that are created. As it has been noted by several Members, this Bill has created the Critical, Chronic and Emergency Fund. People used to sell their land and most of them died out of depression, instead of diseases killing them. This Bill seeks to address that issue. I have an issue with the Bill, especially on the transition clause. As you know, this is a House of politicians and representatives. The transition clause says that, as soon as the new authority comes into effect, all the other employees will be rendered jobless. That is an emotive issue that must be handled with care. As a Committee, we looked into that issue and spoke about retooling, assessment, and giving the employees of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) time to see where they will fit, be it in the Public Service or wherever else so that we have uneventful transition process. This Bill is going to put an end to exploitation. It is going to ensure that nobody dies out of depression for not paying for services. The Bill is important and significant to women. You know, every family depends on a woman. When someone is sick, be it a parent, a spouse or children, it is the woman who bears the brunt. This Bill will ensure that women have an easier time dealing with members of their families or community when they are ill. I support this Bill and I want to ask the House to support it. Members will have an opportunity to propose amendments with regard to what they are uncomfortable with in the Bill. I want to encourage everyone to do the same so that, at the end of the day, we have a comprehensive Bill that puts into consideration the voices and concerns of everyone and provides solutions. 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."
}