A protracted battle is in the offing pitting lobby groups that represent medical workers, and doctors, against the government.
The government is seeking to introduce a law that will see it have a say in medical charges being remitted by medical practitioners – and on doctors’ salaries too.
Over the years, the practitioners have had a field day in determining what they charge patients – and even how they sell drugs to their respective clients. However, through the Health Committee, the government-backed bill – that seeks the national government to have control (or a voice) in determining the charges being remitted by medical health seekers – sought to ease the burden that has been carried by the ordinary Kenyan for a long time now.
The committee on health was of the opinion that the common mwananchi is being treated to exorbitant charges at the hands of medical practitioners. But when giving his views on the issue on the floor of the house, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi said that the Committee on Health did not show proof that it considered views from stakeholders and reasons for ignoring their input.
Under the Health (Amendment) Bill, 2021, hospital charges were to be determined and capped by an 11-member council that includes the Principal Secretary for Health, the Attorney-General, and a representative of the Council of Governors.
The Health Committee will now have to get back to other stakeholders (especially in the health sector) and be briefed accordingly as to how they should navigate on the matter. “It is my opinion that the conduct of public participation in the Bill is incomplete and wanting to that extent. The committee must invite the public to participate in the consideration of the Bill and prescribe the adequate period in which submissions are to be made,” Speaker Muturi said yesterday.
Medical bills – especially in top private hospitals – have dwarfed the national inflation in recent times, adding more pressure on families at a time they are grappling with the high cost of buying basic commodities.
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