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{
    "id": 1371308,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1371308/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 301,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Okenyuri",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. I beg to reply, first, by appreciating the contributions made by different Senators. Senator for Kakamega; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, the 'bullfighter'; Senator for Kiambu County; Sen. Thang'wa, Senator for Machakos County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, the Senator for Tana River County; Sen. Mungatana alias 'mla mamba', and the Senator for Makueni County, Sen. Maanzo. The Senators have given insightful contributions, which, as a Committee, agree largely, especially on medical negligence issues. Different cases worldwide have highlighted how negligence has been dealt with in other countries. Some have lessened the punishment for medical negligence issues, especially in countries with developed healthcare systems. In our case, where we are still building blocks, we do not need to go in that direction. This Committee gave strong recommendations, which I hope the respective Government agencies will take in and implement - a case like the one for implementing and enforcing the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) guidelines for ambulances. There should be spelt out guidelines. In most of these cases, ambulances did not have oxygen. If an ambulance has oxygen, there is quick gain before the patient gets to a critical situation. There is need to review the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act to provide professional indemnity and compensation to victims of medical negligence. Ordinary people have no one to stand for them. These medical professionals – Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale as one of the professionals in that area can bear me witness – will always have unions to defend them. However, who supports the people we have lost, like the late Edward Otieno? No one! It has to wait for an inquiry to be brought to this House for them to get redress. Amendment of the Act will ensure the victims are better positioned to seek compensation. The Cabinet Secretary of Health, in collaboration with the relevant health regulatory bodies, should propose mechanisms for harmonization and disciplinary mechanisms among health professionals to improve indemnity and strengthen accountability. Sometimes, these professionals have immunity against legal proceedings because of the unions I mentioned that defend them. There needs to be a balance. We do not want to introduce punitive measures to discourage healthcare professionals from giving services in this field. However, we also want people to take responsibility for some of the issues they let go of, and we end up losing the lives of people who would have become future Presidents of this country."
}