- Okenyuri said the committee should outline any immediate and contributing factors that led to the alleged suicide.
- Obwogi was found dead on the balcony of her bedroom apartment on Sunday night, police and her colleagues said.
Senators have launched a probe into the death of a medical intern at Gatundu County Referral Hospital in Kiambu.
The Senate Committee on Health will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of Desree Moraa Obwogi at the hospital.
Seeking a statement from the committee, Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri said the committee should outline any immediate and contributing factors that led to the alleged suicide.
Obwogi was found dead on the balcony of her bedroom apartment on Sunday night, police and her colleagues said.
Police who visited the scene said they found her body dangling near a balcony with a rope tied around her neck.
The motive of the incident is yet to be revealed. She had left a suicide note to suggest the motive, police and the family said.
She had said she was stressed and overworked, officials said.
Okenyuri said the committee, in its report, should describe Obwogi’s workload before her death, including the number of hours she worked during her last shift, and how it compares to the existing labour laws and medical practice standards for medical interns in public hospitals
“Indicate whether Dr. Moraa requested a transfer from Gatundu County Referral Hospital before her death, and if so, provide details on the reasons for this request and why it was not acted upon, while also providing information on how many medical interns have sought or obtained transfers from the hospital in the past year, including the reasons for those transfers and any patterns of dissatisfaction with working conditions,” she said.
The senator further wants the committee to state the current number of medical interns and other healthcare personnel deployed at the Gatundu Referral Hospital, and how the numbers compare with the established staffing norms and standards for a referral hospital of its size.
“State whether medical personnel at the hospital including the deceased received their salaries or other compensation on time, and address any issues related to delays or non-payment of dues,” she added.
The lawmaker also wants the committee to outline the specific steps taken by the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, to ensure the mental health, well-being, and overall welfare of interns and medical personnel in public hospitals.