Kenya lost one of its frontline doctors to Coronavirus on Friday, July 10, 2020.
Doctor Mercy Korir shared the news on social media, saying “We have lost one of our own as a doctors’ fraternity to Covid-19. A young doctor with so much to offer.”
"KMPDU mourns the death of Doreen Adisa Lugaliki who passed on due to Covid-19 contracted at the workplace. We reiterate and remind the government and all private health facilities that the welfare, occupational safety and health of frontline workers is a non-negotiable minimum!!" the union posted.
The medic, who was 39 years old, died within 48 hours of being admitted to a private hospital in Nairobi.
She was suspected of having an underlying medical condition that made her more susceptible to the virus.
In her last words to colleagues, she expressed disbelief that she was being intubated.
Intubation is the process of inserting a tube, called an endotracheal tube (ET), through the mouth and then into the airway.
This is done so that a patient can be placed on a ventilator to assist with breathing during anesthesia, sedation, or severe illness.
"The doctors there are still traumatised from the loss of one of their own, under their care as they tried to save her life,” a source at the hospital disclosed.
As of July, 10 more than 200 health workers had been diagnosed with Coronavirus.
The doctor’s name was withheld for privacy concerns. She was a graduate of The University of Nairobi where she did her undergraduate and postgraduate course.
Fellow medics will remember the gynecologist and obstetrician as a hardworking and committed doctor with a passion for helping expectant mothers.
“My aim is to promote optimal wellness for women and I share a sense of duty and enthusiasm towards our goal to keep a professional atmosphere,” reads a post from her social media pages.
The deceased single mother is survived by two 13-year-old twins.
Kenya Medical Association National Secretary Simon Kigondu called for the increase of health workers handling the pandemic to allow doctors to work in shifts and minimise exposure.
