Police launch probe into death of medical intern by suicide in Gatundu

Police in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, are investigating an incident where a medical intern is reported to have died by suicide on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

The body of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a medical intern at the Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, was discovered dangling from the balcony of a house she shared with a friend just metres away from the health facility.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are not clear but a suicide note seen by Citizen TV indicates that the deceased was disturbed and seemingly had difficulties in her working environment.

She had only worked at the hospital as a medical intern for four weeks after transferring from Nakuru Level 5 Hospital. She was never to be seen again after leaving the Gatundu facility on Sunday following a grueling 36-hour shift.

"A suicide incident was reported at the station; we established that a lady of about 27 years had committed suicide," said Gatundu South OCPD Stella Cherono.

Following her demise, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has demanded for a better working environment for medical interns.

Officials of the union in Kiambu County decried frustrations, long working hours and unfriendly working conditions for the medical interns.

"We have complained about the small number of doctors. This is not the first time we have lost lives of interns," said Maina Githinji, Chairman, KMPDU Central Kenya.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah demanded for a healthcare system that prioritises workers' mental well-being and ensures fair compensation to prevent exploitation.

 “A workplace should not make workers feel so 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. It is a dangerous system that will continue to wreak havoc on the lives of healthcare workers," the statement read.

“The healthcare system has recently experienced significant disruptions after doctors went on strike demanding for better working conditions. These include; providing a comprehensive medical cover for medics, clearing unpaid salaries and improving interns' pay.”