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{
    "id": 988936,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/988936/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 52,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "the Departmental Committee on Health, regarding the alleged demotion of a top scientist, one Dr. Joel Lutomia, at KEMRI. Hon. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Lutomia has been serving as the Director of the Centre for Virus Research as well as the Chairman of the Rapid Response Unit at KEMRI, which is currently the institution with the largest testing capacity and a top research facility for Coronavirus in the country. Dr. Lutomia, with over 40 years of service and one of the top epidemiologists in the institution was demoted for purportedly failing to submit Coronavirus results on time to the ministry before one of the daily briefings. This is a matter of great concern owing to the need to retain experienced medical professionals in the ongoing fight against Coronavirus. Hon. Deputy Speaker, it is against this background that I seek for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health on the following: (i) What disciplinary procedures were instituted against Dr. Lutomia before his dismissal? (ii) What is the fate of Dr. Lutomia following his demotion, given the shortage of experienced medical personnel in the fight against Coronavirus? (iii) Could the Ministry confirm whether the reason for the alleged delay in the submission of the Coronavirus results was ever established and indicate what it was? (iv) Could the Ministry consider reversing its decision and reinstate Dr. Lutomia to his previous position as the Director of the Centre for Virus Research in view of his expertise? (v) What measures has the Ministry put in place to ensure that the staff working at KEMRI are protected from contracting the Coronavirus? I humbly request for ventilation on this matter. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker."
}