The Kenyan medical fraternity is mourning the loss of one of their own, Dr Desree Moraa Obwogi, an intern at Gatundu County Referral Hospital in Kiambu County, who tragically died on Sunday, reportedly by suicide.
The Chairman of the Internship Liaison Committee, Dr Muinde Nthusi, while releasing a statement, blamed financial hardships and a toxic work environment for the death.
The deceased is reported to have been struggling to make ends meet on house rent and utilities due to relentless pressure from supervisors and consultants.
“Her untimely death highlights a dire situation that has persisted within our ranks, one marked by overwhelming financial constraints and a toxic work environment,” Dr Nthusi said.
Dr Moraa’s experience underlines a bigger systemic breakdown that has left many medical interns feeling unsupported and alone.
“This tragic incident is not a standalone incident; it points out how the Ministry of Health urgently needs to take care of negligence and inhumane handling of medical interns,” he added.
Despite their vital job, the medical interns say they are working for 36 unending hours characterized by minimal rest or time for meals, which worsens the mental pressures from their critical work.
It also expressed condemnation of the treatment faced by some interns at the hands of senior doctors and consultants, which it described as “inhumane”, and called for immediate reforms.
To honour Dr Moraa’s memory and raise awareness about these critical issues, medical interns across the country are currently observing a 36-hour period of mourning, which started on Tuesday, September 24, at noon.
During this time, interns—including medical officers, dentists, and pharmacists—will withdraw their services in a symbolic act of remembrance.
“We stand in solidarity with Dr Moraa’s memory and all those who have faced similar struggles. During the mourning period, we urge all medical superintendents, chief executive officers of major referral hospitals, and county executive committee members of health to join us in this solemn remembrance,” Dr Nthusi said.
They also appealed to management to ensure that health services will not grind to a halt as they withdraw their services.
The fraternity hopes this observance will be an eye-opener on the need for urgent reforms to assist in creating a much healthier and supportive environment for healthcare workers throughout Kenya.
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