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"id": 1419296,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Wambua",
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"speaker": {
"id": 13199,
"legal_name": "Enoch Kiio Wambua",
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"content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, what do you do with that category of people because they are there and they are many? If you pass a law that says in order for every child to get treated, the doctor must obtain express authorization from a parent or guardian and they do not believe in medical care, what is going to happen to those children? They will then be exposed to suffering. It would be better if that clause is relooked at in a manner that ensures every child within the Kenyan jurisdiction has access to proper medical care when they need it. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have also looked at the same Clause 8 on matters of immunisation. It says that it should be carried out in accordance with the prescribed standards and guidelines. Again, I have no problem with what people believe in, as long as they believe in the right thing. However, there are religious beliefs that speak against immunisation. The wording of any law guiding immunisation should be such that it is facilitative for immunisation to take place without necessarily creating a window for people to latch on and argue that they can either deny children immunization because a law has made such provisions. As I conclude, it should be remembered that we are debating it at a time that our doctors have been on strike for 56 days, within which time, Kenyans in their majority, have been denied access to a Constitutional right. We must urge the policy makers and speak to the hearts and minds of welfare societies and unions in pushing forward the agenda of the welfare of their members for both parties. I understand that they have agreed on a return to work formula. However, both parties should realise that the health of this nation is greater and more important than any other conversation. That, a Government and the unions would stick to parallel lines for 56 good days and yet, people are denied access to medial care. This is the time for those of us in the Senate to begin to think very seriously about making health a fully and truly devolved function. This is so that the agitations and agreements between healthcare providers are properly guided and articulated within the context of counties. If there is need for escalation, then that escalation takes place when and if necessary. With those remarks, I support the Bill and ask the promoter to think about where he can make amendments on those areas of concern, to make it even a better Bill. I thank you."
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