Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has called for urgent reforms to improve mental health and working conditions of medical interns, after a medical intern committed suicide in Gatundu, Kiambu County.

In addition, KMA is also demanding fair compensation and support for the intern doctors, to avoid similar occurrences in future.

In a statement dated September 24, 2024, KMA emphasized that it will continue to champion for the welfare of doctors and advocate for the highest standard of quality healthcare.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely and tragic passing of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a promising young medical intern whose loss has profoundly shaken the medical community. 

“Her death is not only a personal tragedy for her family, friends, and colleagues but also underscores the broader challenges facing young doctors in Kenya,” KMA noted in a statement.

Desree Moraa Obwogi, a medical intern was found dead on Sunday night, in Gatundu.

Police officers 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 thou she had left a suicide note to suggest the motive.

According to her colleagues, Moraa was stressed due to the work pressure and personal struggles.

“Work included 12-hour shifts that sometimes stretched into 36 hours. Her untimely death, reportedly by suicide, highlights a dire situation that has persisted within our ranks-one marked by overwhelming financial constraints and a toxic work environment,” her colleagues told the police.

The medical interns also argued that Moraa struggled to meet basic needs, such as rent and utility bills, compounded by relentless demands from supervisors and consultants.

“This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for the Ministry of Health to address the negligence and inconsiderate treatment of medical interns, who represent a significant portion of the healthcare workforce in public facilities,” the group said.

“We have witnessed too many lives lost to suicide over the years without any meaningful action from the relevant authorities, also, the inhumane treatment some of us face from senior doctors and consultants is unacceptable and must be condemned,” the interns stated.

Her body was moved to the mortuary pending autopsy.

This tragic incident reflects the immense pressure and difficult working conditions faced by many medical interns in Kenya.

Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi’s death exposes critical issues within the healthcare system, particularly the mental health crisis among healthcare professionals.