Kenya medical interns began withdrawing their services temporarily starting Tuesday after indicating they would do so the previous day following the death of their colleague.
The interns are mourning the death of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi a medical intern at the Gatundu County Referral Hospital in Kiambu County who died by suicide on Sunday night at her residence..
According to the police and the late medical practitioner's family, Moraa penned a suicide note where she cited an unending toxic working environment and financial constraints caused by non-payment for her services.
The Interns through the Medical Interns Liason Committee announced the interns' withdrawal of their services on Tuesday, September 24 from noon. The withdrawal was expected to last for 36 hrs.
"Dr Moraa's difficulties in meeting basic needs such as rent and utility bills, compounded by relentless demands from supervisors and consultants, underscore the negligence faced by many medical interns across Kenya," the statement read in part.
The Interns have withdrawn their services to honor their colleague and create awareness about the critical issues they face in their industry.
The unfortunate incident has put the Ministry of Health on the spot as the Interns call on the government to address the issues interns face in the line of duty.
"Address the negligence and inconsiderate treatment of medical interns, who represent a significant portion of the healthcare workforce in public facilities." the interns stated in the notice.
The interns asserted that they contribute to 30% of the labor in public health facilities. However, they lamented that they often endure long working shifts, without adequate rest or meals. This, according to the interns has heavy mental health implications for them.
"We have witnessed too many lives lost to suicide over the years without any meaningful action from the relevant authorities."
The 27-year-old doctor was found lifeless in her residence where she lived alone. Police who visited the site found her body on the balcony of her bedroom with a rope tied around her neck.
Desree's family and friends revealed that at times the intern worked round-the-clock shifts that sometimes stretched into 36 hours.
