Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Barasa has issued a statement regarding the death of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a medical intern who until her death was working at the Gatundu County Referral Hospital in Kiambu County.
Barasa mourned Dr. Moraa as a young, dedicated healthcare professional with so much potential, whose life was tragically cut short.
“Words cannot fully capture the profound sorrow and shock of losing someone so young, dedicated, and full of potential. As a medical intern, she had already touched so many lives with her compassion and commitment to the healthcare profession,” Barasa said.
The CS stated that Moraa’s passing is a stark reminder of the silent struggles that many, including those in the healthcare profession, often endure.
As a frontline caregiver, Barasa said Moraa was devoted to improving the lives of others, even as she was sometimes facing unseen battles.
Barasa extended her deepest condolences to Dr. Moraa’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
She explained the government and other stakeholders should react to her death by renewing their commitment to addressing the growing mental health burden in the country.
How Ministry will Honor Dr. Moraa
Barasa said the Ministry, together with the County governments, will roll out mental wellness programs to support healthcare providers in every part of the country to honor Dr. Moraa.
“In honor of her memory, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with County Governments, is implementing robust workplace mental 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 said.
Also Read: Fresh Details of Doctor who Died by Suicide Over Toxic Environment Emerge
Medical Interns Statement
The medical interns’ fraternity of Kenya said Moraa died by suicide on Sunday, September 23, due to what they called frustrations from her supervisors at the facility.
In a statement, the interns said Moraa was struggling to meet her basic needs despite working in shifts of longer than 36 hours without rest or good food and faced constant pressure from her supervisors.
“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.
Also Read: Doctor Dies by Suicide After Being Forced to Work a 36-Hour Shift
Police Obtain Suicide Note
Police in Gatundu South obtained a suicide note indicating that Moraa was disturbed and seemingly had difficulties in her work environment.
This points to possible frustrations and depressing working conditions, though the circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet clear as investigations continue.
Stella Cherono, Sub-County Police Commander, reported that Moraa’s lifeless body was discovered hanging from the balcony a house she shared with a friend who had been hosting her, with a rope around her neck, on Sunday night.
“Around 10:30, a suicide incident was reported to Gatundu police station and officers from this station went to the scene, which is around 600 meters from the station in an apartment within Gatundu town, and we established that there was a lady aged about 27 years who had committed suicide,” said the commander.
Police have since revealed that Dr. Moraa had only worked at the hospital for 4 weeks after transferring from the Nakuru Level 5.
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