Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah has issued a statement on the death of Desree Moraa Obwogi. Dr Moraa was working as a medical intern at the Gatundu Level 5 Hospital in Kiambu County.
In the statement shared on Tuesday, September 24, KMPDU conveyed its condolences and described Dr. Moraa as a doctor who was dedicated in her work despite the difficult conditions.
“We regret the untimely passing of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a young, dedicated doctor whose life was tragically cut short,” the statement read in part.
Further, the Union indicated in its statement that the intern was working under difficult, dangerous and indecent conditions that did not guarantee her safety and overall well-being.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and colleagues who will be forever impacted by this unimaginable loss,” KMPDU added.
Davji said Moraa’s death is a manifestation of the country’s broken healthcare system that has seen doctors go unpaid or underpaid hence undermining their safety and basic human rights.
In addition, the union reiterated that the workplace should not make workers feel so isolated and desperate.
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The System Inadequacies
The union described the current system in Kenya’s health sector as inadequate, noting that other doctors have registered complaints on the same before.
“It is a dangerous system that will continue to wreak havoc on the lives of healthcare workers. We must together resist it. We must resist this modern-day slavery and challenge the embedded structural failures that lead to such tragedies,” the union stated.
Also Read: Doctor Dies by Suicide After Being Forced to Work a 36-Hour Shift
Moreover, the union regretted Moraa’s death and called on the government to prioritize workers’ mental well-being, ensure timely and fair compensation, and hold accountable those who perpetuate abuse and exploitation.
Dr. Moraa’s Death
Dr. Moraa was reported dead on September 23, with reports indicating that she died by suicide.
According to a statement issued by the medical intern’s fraternity, the deceased was pushed to her decision by the frustrations in the hands of her supervisors as she worked at the facility.
The statement further noted that the intern struggled to meet her basic needs such as rent, and utility bills while also working under intense pressure and relentless demand from supervisors and consultants.
Moraa was reportedly forced to work for longer shifts of more than 36 hours without having a single break in between to take food.
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