Police in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, are investigating the tragic death of a medical intern, Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, who is believed to have died by suicide on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Dr.
Moraa, who was interning at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, was found hanging from the balcony of a house she shared with a friend, located just a short distance from the hospital.
The circumstances leading to her death remain unclear, but a suicide note reportedly found at the scene suggests she was struggling with personal and professional issues, particularly related to her work environment.
Dr. Moraa had only been working at the hospital for four weeks, having recently transferred from Nakuru Level 5 Hospital.
Her last known activity was leaving Gatundu Hospital after a taxing 36-hour shift on Sunday. She was not seen again until her body was discovered.
Gatundu South OCPD Stella Cherono confirmed the incident, stating, “A suicide case was reported at the station, and upon investigation, we established that a young woman, about 27 years old, had taken her own life.”
Following the incident, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has expressed outrage over the working conditions that many interns face.
KMPDU officials in Kiambu County pointed to overwhelming frustrations, long hours, and unfavorable work environments that contribute to mental health struggles among medical professionals.
Maina Githinji, Chairman of KMPDU Central Kenya, voiced his concerns, saying, “We have raised complaints about the inadequate number of doctors, and unfortunately, this is not the first time we have lost the lives of interns.”
In response, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah issued a statement demanding a healthcare system that focuses on workers’ mental health and provides fair compensation.
“No workplace should push employees to feel so isolated and hopeless.
The system failed Dr. Moraa, as it has failed others before her, and it will continue to do so unless changes are made,” the statement read.
The healthcare sector has been grappling with ongoing challenges, including strikes by doctors demanding improved working conditions, comprehensive medical cover, payment of overdue salaries, and better compensation for interns.
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