The National Assembly has given its support to a Bill aimed at regulating overseas medical referrals to prevent the abuse and exploitation of patients.

The Health (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend current health laws and obligate the Ministry of Health to develop policies that guide the referral of patients from one facility to another.

The Bill proposes that the Cabinet Secretary in charge of health will work with various stakeholders to create policy guidelines and principles that ensure a smooth transfer of patients from one hospital to another, both locally and internationally.

The sponsor of the Bill, Kimilili MP Hon. Didmus Barasa, states that this framework will provide guidance for practitioners, doctors, and health facilities on when and how to transfer a patient from one facility to another.

The Bill's aim is to ensure that the transfer of patients from one facility to another is carried out with dignity and according to a set of guidelines. 

Currently, there is no substantive law followed by health facilities and practitioners in ensuring the dignity of patients being transferred. 

The Bill seeks to change this by making it mandatory for referring facilities to ensure that the facility to which a patient is referred has the necessary personnel and equipment to address the patient's problem.

The Bill will also compel the Government of Kenya to inform the Kenyan Embassy or consular where a patient is going, to offer logistical support, and take stock of the number of Kenyans undergoing treatment in other countries. 

The Bill also seeks to bring about comprehensive reforms in the health sector and to create a clear referral system that ensures patients receive the care they need without exploitation or abuse.