The intern doctors through the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Nyanza Branch have asked for leave to bury their colleague who took her own life.
The late medical intern, Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi is reported to have claimed her own life through suicide on September 23, 2024.
According to the medical interns’ fraternity of Kenya Moraa was driven to her breaking point due to the constant frustrations caused by her supervisors at the facility.
Further, she struggled to meet her basic needs. In addition, she was forced to work for more than 36 hours without any breaks or food.
At the same time, during the leave, the interns will attend a meeting with the union leadership for the Nyanza medical intern doctors on Monday 14th October 2024 from 5.00 pm in Kisii County.
The request letter dated October 11, by the KMPDU to the medical facilities read in part, “As you may already be aware, the union leadership will be meeting the Nyanza medical intern doctors on Monday 14th October 2024 from 5.00 pm in Kisii County. Additionally, the late Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi’s burial will take place on Tuesday 15th October 2024 in Kisii County.”
“The purpose of this letter is to request your institutions to allow all medical intern doctors to leave work starting Monday 14th October 2024 noon to Wednesday 16th October 2024 8.00 am for them to attend the aforementioned two important events,” the KMPDU letter further cited.
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Difficult Conditions Faced by Intern Doctors in Kenya
The late Moraa case is among the many cases of suicide that have been witnessed over the years without any reasonable actions to subvert the same.
Her death has sparked conversations about the difficult conditions that medical interns face in Kenya.
The statement by the medical interns called on the Ministry of Health to address the negligence and inhumane treatment that interns endure from senior doctors and consultants in different medical facilities.
Also Read: KMPDU Issues Statement on Intern’s Death After Uproar Over Toxic Environment
“As medical interns, we contribute approximately 30 percent of the labour in public health facilities, often enduring extended shifts exceeding 36 hours without adequate rest or meals.”
Further, the medical interns’ fraternity of Kenya pledged to stand in solidarity with Dr. Moraa’s memory and all those who have faced similar struggles.
Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union
KMPDU aims to unite doctors of all cadres for quality service, socio-economic improvement, and professional advancement and strengthen their collective bargaining power, to promote quality health care.
In addition, the Union seeks to reinforce advocacy efforts for healthcare professionals across Kenya, ensuring that the union remains responsive to members’ needs while advancing policies that improve healthcare delivery in the country.
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