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{
    "id": 707617,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/707617/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 109,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wakhungu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1889,
        "legal_name": "Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu",
        "slug": "chrisantus-wamalwa-wakhungu"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I rise to support this Bill and talk briefly pertaining to specific clauses that have differences between the National Assembly and the Senate. We know very well that health is a devolved function and it is a responsibility of county governments. I am happy to note that the Senate played a very critical role in improving this Bill. I would like to comment on Clause 1 where they are talking about abortion. Obviously, there is no point of giving a definition of a term which has not been used in a given write-up. I agree that the word “abortion” be deleted because it is not indicated anywhere. In the best practices, you only give definition of terms that have been used in a particular report. I also agree on the issue of death which has been clearly defined. I want to talk about Clause 5 where there is a proposal to delete the word “compulsory.” I do not see why the word “compulsory” should be removed. When you look at the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they are clearly outlined on matters of health. So, I am sure that this Bill will have to go to a Mediation Committee that is going to help in resolving this matter. The issue of the word “compulsory” - I hope the Chair is taking notes. I see she is very busy - will add a lot of value when it is included. When you look at Clause 5 which talks about conditional grants, I do not see why the Committee is against it. We know very well that health is a devolved function and it is important that when this money is given, it should be conditional so that it is not misused at the county level. We know very well that health plays a very critical role as far as the health of a nation is concerned. I call upon the Committee that as we move forward, I do not see any problem in legislating the aspect of conditionality so that if these funds are given, they specifically should go to that respective function. If we leave it hanging, we have funny governors who are likely to misappropriate these funds. That is why when you go to the health centres and dispensaries in the counties, you find that healthcare is in a mess. You find that there are no drugs or ambulances without fuel. So, it is indeed important if any grant is going to be given and particularly when it comes to free maternity, these funds should come in as conditional. So, I do not see any problem in legislating. When you say that we have over-legislated and you indicate the best practices in other jurisdictions, we need you to table evidence to show what the best practices are and in which regions of the world you are talking about. You may be comparing nations like Somalia or wherever. It is indeed important that the Committee should have gone further even to tell us where we are benchmarking from. Best practices must be benchmarked with international standards. I see that this matter is hanging. On the matter of right to emergency treatment, we have seen many patients going to hospitals and they are told to deposit money before they are attended to. I am particularly happy about this clause because it gives people a right to healthcare. When you go to a hospital particularly when you have got an accident, you are not prepared because you do not know that you are going to have an accident. It is important that when you go to the nearest health facility, they must provide healthcare before the issue of money comes in at a later stage. Clause 16 talks about the Director General. Previously, the Director General was the Director of Medical Services (DMS). This is a very important person because he is the technical advisor. I know very well that Hon. (Dr.) Nyikal was a DMS. The DMS is the technical advisor. 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."
}