We shall not take this anymore, Atellah says as another intern doctor commits suicide

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has accused the government of neglecting intern medical doctors.

In a statement on Tuesday, he said the government had ‘thrown intern medical doctors under the bus,’ by failing to fully implement the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

He shared the statement shortly after another doctor intern reportedly committed suicide due to difficult working conditions.

Until his death on Tuesday, Francis Njuki was serving at the Thika Level four hospital in Kiambu County.  

“Another doctor intern has tragically taken his own life this morning, a heartbreaking outcome of relentless workplace frustrations under a government that seems indifferent,” Atellah broke the sad news.  

“Four months of working over 36-hour shifts without pay can break even the strongest among us. Our hearts ache as the medical fraternity mourns for our younger brothers and sisters. We shall not take this anymore!!”

“This now brings the total number of interns whom we have lost to suicide to 2 in 2 months, and I am aware of 5 who have attempted suicide and were rescued and hospitalized,” he added.

He wondered how many more doctor interns must die, for the government to listen and honor the agreement they signed in 2017.

“The time for empty promises is over and we demand an end to this culture of lies. The government of Kenya will have to decide in the next few days whether to have doctors in the hospitals.”

In September 2024, the body of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi who worked as an intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, was found dangling on her balcony with a rope tied around her neck.

A suicide note found beside her body, attributed the suicide to a stressful working environment and personal struggles.

Davji Atellah at the time demanded for a healthcare system that prioritizes workers' mental well-being, and ensures fair compensation to prevent what he termed as exploitation.