Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 596811,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/596811/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 204,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "and cultural rights--- You do not make them progressive by using the word “progressive”. The word “progressive” is a function of money issues and what you do with the little money you have. For purposes of progressive realisation of the right to health, for example, the Ministry of Health would be asked what it is doing with the little money it has and what it plans to do in the next couple of years. That is what progressive realisation is all about. The word “progressive” has been used counter in the Bill. If you use that word that way, you are simply taking away all the obligations on the State. Therefore, there is actually no right being guaranteed. Progressive realisation simply means what you are doing with what you have, when you will do it and how best you want to apply the resources you have. The fourth thing I would like to speak to is Clause 12, and Hon. Jakoyo spoke very well to it, on the rights and duties of healthcare providers. Clause 14 needs to be buttressed because the way doctors and nurses treat patients in this country leaves a lot to be desired. We need a healthcare system and infrastructure that respond to the needs of the people of Kenya; one that ensures all Kenyans realise the right to life in a manner that is productive without unduly interfering with the right of doctors. Clause 27 on the establishment of professional oversight authority is an interesting provision. This is a good provision, but Hon. Eseli is free to disagree. Hon. Rachel spoke very well to the fact that there are several agencies within the health sector seeking autonomy. It is possible to let all the agencies be autonomous and yet, have one overarching authority that polices all of them. Other jurisdictions have done the same, including South Africa and Britain, which have fairly comprehensive systems. We do not make laws in a vacuum. Policing this sector in this manner, whether you call it over-policing, is the best to do in the circumstances so that we let the psychologists, health records professionals and other health workers do their work. Lastly, I like the fact that Clause 42 of the Bill provides for the promotion of alternative medicine. Recognising alternative medicine in a Bill like this is very good. Suffice it to say that this is a good Bill that we ought to support. It has come at the right time. There is going to be a lot of thinking that goes through this. The Committee of the whole House stage of this Bill is going to be more volatile than we have ever seen before. With those few remarks, I support the Bill. Thank you."
}