MPs Back Proposal to Regulate Overseas Medical Referrals for Kenyan Patients

MPs have endorsed a new proposal aimed at regulating medical referrals of Kenyan patients abroad.

The Bill sponsored by Kesses MP Swarup Mishra seeks to amend the Health Act in a bid to stop the abuse and exploitation of Kenyans seeking medical treatment overseas.

Mishra wants a new clause that provides for the development of policy guidelines to regulate the referral of patients to local and foreign health institutions introduced into the Health Act.

More than 10,000 Kenyans travel overseas annually in search of specialized medical treatment, spending at least $15 million. India, South Africa, the UK, and the US are some of the main destinations for Kenyans seeking treatment.

Some of the most sought medical services by Kenyans traveling abroad include oncology, cardiac surgery, advanced neuro-spine surgery, transplant surgery, and assisted reproductive technology.

During the debate on the Bill last week, most MPs expressed their support for the proposal, terming it timely.

“Patients going abroad are at the mercy of cartels who nowadays are scouting for patients to specific hospitals abroad and now have been extended to even airlines and hotels,” said Seme MP James Nyikal.

MP Mishra claimed cartels involved in the business are trying to lobby for the rejection of the amendment.

“Some agents for referrals are being paid up to Sh400,000 for a referral of one patient and you can see how lucrative this business is and they are not happy,” he said.

If the bill sails through, it will ensure measures are taken to establish whether medical facilities to which a patient is referred have adequate personnel and equipment, Mishra added.

He wants the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board, the National Hospital Insurance Fund, embassies and consulates, and the Association of Private Health Institutions involved in scrutinizing the referrals.