As the medical fraternity in Kenya mourns the loss of Dr Desree Moraa, her colleagues have shared heartbreaking details about the deceased young, promising medic.
Dr Moraa tragically passed away while undergoing her internship at Gatundu County Referral Hospital in Kiambu County.
Her death, reported as a suicide, has sent shockwaves through the community, shedding light on the financial and emotional struggles faced by medical interns in public health facilities.
In a statement issued by Internship Liaison Committee Chairman Dr Muinde Nthusi, Dr Moraa's death has been attributed to a combination of financial hardships and a toxic work environment.
Colleagues say she struggled to meet basic needs like rent and utilities while dealing with 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.
Her experience is described as a reflection of a broader systemic failure that has left many medical interns feeling unsupported and isolated.
"This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case; it underscores the urgent need for the Ministry of Health to address the negligence and inconsiderate treatment of medical interns," he said.
The fraternity emphasized that medical interns are a significant part of the workforce in public health facilities, contributing about 30 per cent of the labour.
Despite their essential role, the medical interns stated that they endure gruelling 36-hour shifts with little rest or time for meals, exacerbating the mental health toll of their demanding work.
The statement also condemned the treatment some interns receive from senior doctors and consultants, calling it "inhumane" and urging immediate reforms.
To honour Dr Moraa’s memory and raise awareness about these critical issues, medical interns across the country will observe a 36-hour period of mourning starting at noon today, Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
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.
The interns also called on hospital management to ensure that health services remain operational during the withdrawal of services.
The fraternity hopes the observance will bring attention to the urgent need for reforms and help create a healthier and more supportive environment for healthcare workers across Kenya.
