Police in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, are investigating an incident where a medical intern is reported to have died by suicide on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
The body of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a medical intern at the Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, was discovered dangling from the balcony of a house she shared with a friend just metres away from the health facility.
At the same time, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has demanded for better work environments for healthcare workers following Moraa’s demise as medical interns threatened to stage work boycott in solidarity with their departed colleague.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are not clear but a suicide note recovered indicates that the deceased was disturbed and seemingly had difficulties in her working environment.
According to a statement from the medical interns’ fraternity of Kenya, Moraa was pushed to her breaking point because of frustrations from her supervisors at the facility.
Further, the statement noted that Moraa struggled to meet her basic needs, such as rent and utility bills, compounded by the relentless demands from supervisors and consultants.
Additionally, the doctor was forced to work shifts that were longer than 36 hours without rest or good food to eat.
She died on Sunday, September 23, 2024.
“Her untimely death, reportedly by suicide, highlights a dire situation that has persisted within our ranks-one marked by overwhelming financial constraints and a toxic work environment.” The statement read in part.
At the same time, the statement noted that Moraa’s situation was not an isolated case, calling on the Ministry of Health to address the negligence and inconsiderate treatment of medical interns.
Moraa’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and conversations about the difficult conditions faced by medical interns in Kenya.
“The mental health implications of such conditions cannot be overstated; we have witnessed too many lives lost to suicide over the years without any meaningful action from the relevant authorities. As medical interns, we contribute approximately 30 per cent of the labor in public health facilities, often enduring extended shifts exceeding 36 hours without adequate rest or meals.” The statement added.
They have also highlighted the inhumane treatment intern doctors endure from senior doctors and consultants in different medical facilities.
“Also, the inhumane treatment some of us face from senior doctors and consultants is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. We stand in solidarity with Dr. Moraa’s memory and all those who have faced similar struggles.” The affirmed.
