Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah has claimed that an intern doctor has taken their own life.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 26, Atellah asserted that the male intern doctor committed suicide over frustrations of working for long shifts without pay.
The KMPDU secretary general vowed that the union will not continue to tolerate the situation even as he mourned the deceased doctor.
"Another doctor intern has tragically taken his own life this morning, a heartbreaking outcome of relentless workplace frustrations under a government that seems indifferent. 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," Atellah remarked.
Read More
The incident comes months after Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, an intern doctor, tragically died by suicide on Sunday, September 22, with her death attributed to overwhelming work pressure.
A suicide note found beside her indicated that she faced a stressful work environment and personal challenges, including financial difficulties and excessive work hours without enough rest.
At the time, KMPDU issued a statement demanding better work environments that prioritize doctors' mental health as well as timely and fair compensation.
"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," KMPDU stated.
In honour of Dr. Moraa, the Ministry of Health announced the implementation of robust workplace mental wellness programs targeting healthcare workers.
Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa stated that the programs, which targeted healthcare workers across the country, would ensure that those facing mental health challenges do not feel alone.
