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{
    "id": 1403016,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1403016/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 284,
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    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker and Hon. Members. Currently in Kenya, Helicobacter pylori, which is commonly known as H.pylori, is tested using rapid antibody or antigen kits, which is not as invasive as endoscopy and biopsy. They are also called point of care tests. Hospitals source for those kits independently or from Kenya Medical Suppliers Authority (KEMSA) for Level 4 facilities and above. The Ministry, however, is currently reviewing the specifications of the test kits available with a view to including them in the laboratory essential diagnostic list. In Levels 4 to 6 hospitals, biopsies are also done during endoscopy, which is an invasive procedure and requires specialized skill to perform it. The Kenya guidelines recommend that patients with H.pylori are treated using a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. Those medicines are listed in the Kenya Essential Medicines list of 2023 and are stocked by KEMSA. The list guides counties and KEMSA in the procurement and distribution of medicines to various levels of care. According to the list, the proton pump inhibitors should be available in Level 3 and Level 4 facilities, while the antibiotics of choice are listed to be available in Level 4 facilities. KEMSA also stocks the triple therapy kit, a kit comprising the three medicines for treatment of H.pylori, which is drawn by the counties for Level 4 facilities and above. Part two of the first question is about provision of statistics detailing the number of persons tested and treated for H.pylori in public hospitals. Hon. Speaker, the statistics available are for the number tested for H.pylori and those tests that have turned positive. According to reported data from the Kenya Health Information System in facilities, that is, faith-based, private and public facilities, in 2023, about 1 million tests were conducted with a test positivity rate of 26 per cent, of which 500,000 were performed in the public hospitals with a positivity rate of 22 per cent. There is no specific data on the number of patients treated for H.pylori, but as digitisation of the health system continues, the data will be available in future. The second question is about the measures taken by the Government to provide surgical operations and medication for patients suffering from fistula, but who cannot access medical cover. The Government, through the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority, has developed a benefits package of entitlements that beneficiaries will be receiving. This benefits package has been gazetted under the Third Schedule of the Social Health Insurance (General) 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"
}