CS Barasa mourns intern doctor who committed suicide in Kiambu

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Deborah Barasa has mourned a doctor intern who committed suicide in Kiambu County over the weekend.

Until her death, Dr. Desree Moraa was an intern at the Gatundu Level 5 hospital, Kiambu County.

According to a suicide note found close to where her body was discovered, she cited challenges and hardships in her work that triggered the move to take her life.

Her death has attracted public outcry, with Dr. Davji Atellah, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General urging the Ministry of Health to address challenges bedevilling healthcare workers.

CS Barasa in her condolence message said Moraa's death is a reminder of silent struggles healthcare workers go through on a daily basis.

"Her passing is a stark reminder of the silent struggles that many, including the healthcare professionals, often endure. As a frontline caregiver, she was devoted to improving the lives of others, yet we are reminded that even those who provide care sometimes face unseen battles of their own," said the CS.

She said her death, points to the fact that there is a need for a new strategy to address mental health issues in the medical field.

"This strategy calls upon us to renew our commitment to addressing the growing mental health burden in the country," she added.

Police are already investigating the suicide incident.

The body of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, was discovered dangling from the balcony of a house she shared with a friend, metres away from the health facility.

Reports indicate that she had only worked at the hospital as a medical intern for four weeks, after being transferred from Nakuru Level 5 Hospital.

In Kiambu, KMPDU officials of the union decried frustrations, long working hours and unfriendly working conditions for the medical interns.

"We have complained about the small number of doctors. This is not the first time we have lost lives of interns," said Maina Githinji, Chairman, KMPDU Central Kenya.