Freetown – Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas has vowed to lead efforts to introduce a comprehensive health insurance scheme for lawmakers, citing mounting health risks tied to the intense demands of parliamentary duty.
The announcement came during Tuesday’s plenary session, following a motion tabled by Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Nyuma and seconded by Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo. Both sides expressed strong support for better conditions of service for Members of Parliament.
Speaker Thomas revealed that the Clerk of Parliament and technical staff are already drafting a formal proposal for the health insurance scheme, which will be tabled before the House for debate and approval.
“The health and welfare of Members of Parliament must be a priority,” the Speaker declared.
He highlighted how many lawmakers grapple with serious health issues stemming from work-related stress and financial strain, pointing to the untimely deaths of several former colleagues as a stark reminder that the situation can no longer be overlooked.
In addition to the insurance initiative, Speaker Thomas proposed the creation of a special development fund for district blocks to help MPs respond more effectively to urgent needs in their constituencies.
Hon. Mathew Nyuma, while moving the motion, argued that a review of parliamentary practices across the region clearly shows Sierra Leonean lawmakers lag behind in terms of support and welfare.
He urged the full implementation of Section 74(4) of the 1991 Constitution through targeted amendments to bolster the legal framework protecting MPs’ welfare.
“The improvement of the welfare of Members of Parliament is long overdue,” Nyuma stated.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo echoed these concerns, emphasizing the human cost of parliamentary work. He disclosed that four to five members of the previous Parliament suffered strokes linked to the heavy pressures of legislative responsibilities.
Kargbo pointed to the combined burdens of constituency demands, personal financial obligations, and inadequate healthcare access as key factors putting legislators at risk.
“The victims of today could be any of us tomorrow,” he warned. “We must act now before more lives are lost unnecessarily.”
Wrapping up the debate, Speaker Thomas described the matter as pressing and reiterated his determination to fast-track initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare, overall welfare, and working conditions for all Members of Parliament.
The development signals a rare moment of cross-party consensus on improving the legislative environment in Sierra Leone.
