Karua's congratulatory message comes after the young legislator achieved a major milestone in her efforts to introduce changes aimed at protecting patients and their families from unfair treatment by healthcare facilities.
The Bill seeks to amend the Health Act of 2017, particularly addressing the challenges faced by patients who cannot afford medical expenses and families struggling to access the bodies of their deceased relatives because of unpaid hospital bills.
One of the key proposals in the legislation is to prevent hospitals from demanding upfront payments before providing emergency medical attention. It also seeks to prohibit healthcare facilities from detaining patients who have been medically discharged or withholding bodies over outstanding medical debts.
During discussions surrounding the Bill, she highlighted the case of a family whose son's body was reportedly held in a mortuary for almost a year over an outstanding hospital bill of approximately KSh1.42 million.
The legislator argued that families should not be subjected to additional suffering during moments of grief simply because they cannot settle medical debts.
Her proposals subsequently attracted attention and support from lawmakers who recognised the need to strengthen patients' rights and improve accountability within the healthcare sector.
Karua's recognition of Maina comes as discussions surrounding affordable healthcare and access to medical services continue to dominate Kenya's public debate.
The former Justice Minister has consistently been associated with calls for accountability, justice and the protection of citizens' constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, the Bill's approval by the National Assembly marks an important legislative step, although it must undergo further parliamentary consideration before becoming law.
If successfully enacted, the proposed amendments could provide relief to patients and families who have experienced difficulties accessing emergency treatment or retrieving deceased relatives because of outstanding medical bills.
Maina's achievement has therefore placed her among legislators pushing for reforms intended to address challenges affecting ordinary Kenyans, particularly those seeking dignity and fairness within the healthcare system.
https://x.com/MarthaKarua/status/2120609495894065629?a=ciZkKBHny6jjImooZlM&s=19
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