MPs push for public officials to seek treatment in public hospitals
Syringe. Courtesy photo
Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced strong support for a motion urging public officers, including themselves, to seek treatment in government hospitals as a way to restore public trust and strengthen the health care system.
The motion, sponsored by nominated MP Sabina Chege, seeks to compel public servants to use their taxpayer-funded medical insurance in public health facilities.
“Public servants paid by the taxpayer must use their insurance in public hospitals,” said Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o.
“If you want to go to a private hospital, pay from your own pocket.”
Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni told the House she regularly visits her home county hospital in Meru, but urged the government to equip such hospitals so patients can have confidence in their services.
Lamu East MP Ruweida Obbo, speaking in Kiswahili, said the motion would uplift health services at the grassroots level.
“Bi Spika, ninaamini kwamba tukipitisha sheria hii, maafisa wasimamizi wa kaunti, OCS na wengine wote watatibiwa huko, na hospitali zetu za mashinani zitaimarishwa,” she said.
Ms Obbo said she had personally sought treatment at King Fahad and Faza hospitals and was proud that for the first time since independence, some hospitals in Lamu now have functioning oxygen plants. She recalled a tragic incident in which a politician’s daughter died after a road accident in Lamu due to lack of critical care facilities.
In her reply, Ms Chege said her proposal was inspired by a personal experience while taking her father for treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Through the temporsry Speaker Rachel Nyamai, ashe asked the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health, Dr James Nyikal, to investigate allegations of fraud involving the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance.
“Dr Nyikal, do you know that there are hospitals that double charges? When you say you're using SHA, they may charge Sh28,000, and yet when you're paying cash, they would charge you Sh14,000. This must be investigated,” she said.
Ms Chege also requested the committee to probe a case from Machakos where a parent is demanding justice over a botched operation in a private hospital.
