It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Doctor Desree Moraa Obwogi, who was a medical intern at Gatundu County Referral Hospital.
According to a statement released by the medical interns’Moraa was pushed to her breaking point as a result of the difficulties she experienced from her superiors at the clinic on several occasions.
In addition, the statement said that Moraa had a difficult time meeting her fundamental requirements, such as paying her rent and energy bills, which was made even more difficult by the unrelenting demands of her superiors and consultants.
On top of that, the physician was compelled to perform shifts that lasted for more than 36 hours without any opportunity for relaxation or nutritious meals to consume.
Her passing took place on September 23rd.
According to a portion of the statement, “Her untimely death, which is reportedly the result of suicide, highlights a dire situation that has persisted within our ranks—one that is characterised by overwhelming financial constraints and a toxic work environment.”
At the same time, the statement made it clear that Moraa’s circumstance was not a unique one, and it urged the Ministry of Health to take action about the inconsiderate and negligent treatment of medical interns.
Following Moraa’s passing, there has been a flood of expressions of sorrow as well as discussions regarding the challenging circumstances that medical interns in Kenya are forced to endure.
It is impossible to overestimate the ramifications that such situations have for mental health; throughout the years, we have seen an excessive number of lives taken by suicide without any significant action being taken by the appropriate authorities.
“As medical interns, we are responsible for approximately thirty percent of the work performed in public health facilities. We frequently work extended shifts that last for more than thirty-six hours without receiving sufficient rest or meals.”
“Additionally, they have brought attention to the brutal treatment that intern physicians are subjected to at the hands of senior physicians and consultants at a variety of medical institutions.”
The brutal treatment that some of us receive at the hands of top physicians and consultants is not only reprehensible, but it also has to be denounced in the most vehement terms.
The memory of Dr. Moraa and all who have faced similar challenges is remembered with sympathy.
The medical interns and physicians have decided that they will pay tribute to Moraa by observing a period of mourning that will last for thirty-six hours, beginning at noon on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
In the course of this time period, all medical interns, including dental officers, pharmacists, and medical officers, will cease providing their services.
Facilities that provide medical care have been given instructions to anticipate and prepare properly in order to guarantee that health and medical services will not be disrupted.
“We strongly encourage all medical superintendents, chief executive officers of major referral hospitals, members of the county executive committee of health, and all medical interns to participate in this mournful memory with us.”
