By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
In the wake of the sudden death of Hon. Musa Peter Moigua, Members of Parliament, led by Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, have called for the establishment of predictable healthcare services for MPs and parliamentary staff. This urgent appeal was made during a somber session in Parliament on Tuesday, reflecting both grief and a strong desire for systemic healthcare reform.
Speaker Thomas expressed deep sorrow over Hon. Moigua’s passing, revealing that he had spoken with the late MP just hours before his demise. “It is sad; he is somebody’s father, somebody’s husband, and he is one of us,” he mourned. He urged the House to pray for the late MP and emphasized the necessity of a dedicated healthcare system within Parliament.
Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia District emotionally disclosed that three MPs are currently battling severe health conditions, advocating for a healthcare scheme or insurance tailored specifically for parliamentarians. “If we are afraid of the people, they’ll simply replace us when we die,” he warned, calling for collective action to prevent further losses.
Hon. Aruna Massay Ngahinteh of Bo District shared her personal experience seeking medical treatment abroad, lamenting the lack of parliamentary support and expressing gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for his intervention. Deputy Whip 2 of the ruling party, Hon. Neneh Lebbie, recounted a health emergency in Rwanda, echoing the demands for a comprehensive healthcare scheme.
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, acknowledged President Bio’s contributions to MPs’ healthcare but stressed the need to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. He advocated for the enforcement of provisions in the Parliament Act 2023. Chief Whip Hon. Dickson Rogers suggested that Parliament should have its own healthcare budget, while Speaker Thomas reaffirmed the importance of establishing a system that allows MPs to access healthcare directly through internal processes.
In a heartfelt tribute, Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo hailed the late Hon. Moigua as a respected public servant, extending condolences to his family, the SLPP, and Parliament. “His calm demeanor and dedication earned him admiration,” he said.
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