KMPDU demands better working conditions after intern doctor commits suicide

By Peter Ochieng

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) leadership is demanding for better working conditions all healthcare workers across the country, two days after an intern doctor committed suicide in Kiambu county.

Until his demise on Sunday, Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi was an intern at the Gatundu Level 5 hospital in the County.

Her body was found dangling on her balcony with a rope tied around her neck on Sunday night, with a suicide note found beside her body attributing the reason to take her life to stressful working environment and personal struggles.

KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah in a statement on Tuesday demanded for a healthcare system that prioritises workers' mental well-being, and ensures fair compensation to prevent exploitation.

"Dr. Moraa’s death is a sad but glaring manifestation of our country’s broken healthcare system that feeds on the unpaid and underpaid labour of young doctors and continues to undermine their safety and basic human rights.”

"A workplace should not make workers feel so isolated and desperate that they believe there is no way out. The system as designed failed Dr. Moraa and many others who we have mourned before. It is a dangerous system that will continue to wreak havoc on the lives of healthcare workers,” he added.

“We owe it to Dr. Moraa and to every healthcare worker in this country to demand for work environments that prioritise workers mental well-being, ensure timely and fair compensation, and hold accountable those who perpetuate abuse and exploitation,” added the KMPDU boss.

On May 08, 2024, doctors ended their 56-day nationwide strike after reaching a return-to-work formula, then headed by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha. The agreement was reached after prolonged discussions involving KMPDU, all healthcare workers, and various stakeholders.

Employing medical interns on permanent and pensionable terms was one of the grievances which caused the strike, but the matter is yet to be conclusively addressed.