The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a statement following the death of an intern doctor who worked at the Gatundu Level 5 Hospital.
In a statement signed by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, the union on Tuesday, September 25, demanded better work environments that prioritize doctors’ mental health as well as timely and fair compensation.
“We regret the untimely passing of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a young, dedicated doctor whose life was tragically cut short,” the statement read in part.
Additionally, the union called for action to be taken against people in authority who abuse and exploit young medical practitioners.
“Dr. Moraa’s death is a sad but glaring manifestation of our country’s broken healthcare system that feeds on the unpaid and underpaid labor of young doctors and continues to undermine their safety and basic human rights.
“A workplace should not make workers feel so isolated and desperate that they believe there is no way out. The system as designed failed Dr. Moraa and many others who we have mourned before. It is a dangerous system that will continue to wreak havoc on the lives of healthcare workers. We must together resist it. We must resist this modern-day slavery and challenge the embedded structural failures that lead to such tragedies,” the statement read.
Moreover, the union regretted Moraa’s death and called on the government to prioritize workers’ mental well-being, ensure timely and fair compensation, and hold accountable those who perpetuate abuse and exploitation.
Dr. Moraa was reported dead on September 23, with reports indicating that she died by suicide.
According to a statement issued by the medical intern’s fraternity, the deceased was pushed to her decision by the frustrations in the hands of her supervisors as she worked at the facility.
The statement further noted that the intern struggled to meet her basic needs such as rent, and utility bills while also working under intense pressure and relentless demand from supervisors and consultants.
Moraa was reportedly forced to work for longer shifts of more than 36 hours without having a single break in between to take food.
