Dr Desree Moraa, a medical intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, was found dead on her balcony with a rope tied around her neck.
Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacist and Dentists’ Union Secretary General Dr Devji Atellah blamed her death on work-related pressure and poor working conditions.
“Dr Moraa was working under very difficult, dangerous, and indecent conditions that did not guarantee her safety and overall well-being,” Atellah said.
“Her death is a sad but glaring manifestation of our country’s broken healthcare system that feeds on the unpaid and underpaid labour of young doctors and continues to undermine their safety and basic human rights.”
The KMPDU boss said Kenya’s health system is rife with structural failures that have led to such tragedies in the past, terming it a dangerous system that will continue to wreak havoc on the lives of healthcare workers.
Atellah condoled with family, friends, and colleagues of Dr Moraa and called for improved working environments for all doctors in the country saying a workplace should not make workers feel 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. We must together resist it. We must resist this modern-day slavery and challenge the embedded structural failures that lead to such tragedies,” he said.
“We owe it to Dr Moraa and every healthcare worker in this country to demand work environments that prioritise workers’ mental well-being, ensure timely and fair compensation, and hold accountable those who perpetrate abuse and exploitation.”
Dr Moraa, 27, was staying alone on the fourth floor of an apartment where her body was found.
The motive behind her suspected suicide is yet to be established.
However, according to police, she left a suicide note suggesting a motive.
In the note, she indicated that she was stressed and overworked, police said.
Some of her colleagues concurred with her sentiments, citing round-the-clock 12-hour shifts that sometimes stretched into 36 hours.
They added that personal struggles may have worsened things for her.
Gov’t to take action after her death of Intern Doctor Desree Moraa
In a statement on Wednesday, September 25, Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa disclosed that the implementation is being done in honour of the fallen intern doctor.
Barasa noted that the programs, which target healthcare workers across the country, will ensure that those facing mental health challenges do not feel alone.
“In honour of her memory, the Ministry of Health in conjunction with county governments is implementing robust workplace metal wellness programs targeting healthcare workers across the country to ensure that support systems are strengthened and that those facing challenges don’t feel alone,” Barasa remarked.
At the same time, the CS declared that the death of Dr. Moraa was a reminder of silent struggles that many endure.
“As a frontline caregiver, she was devoted to improving the lives of others, yet we are reminded that even those who provide care sometimes face unseen battles of their own.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Moraa’s family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. This tragedy calls upon us to renew our commitment to address the growing mental health burden in our country,” Barasa stated.
