Police in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, have launched an investigation into the suicide death of a medical intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital.
According to official reports, the body of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi was discovered hanging from the balcony of a house near the hospital, where she lived with a friend.
Dr. Obwogi, aged 27, had only been working at the hospital for four weeks, having transferred from Nakuru Level 5 Hospital. She was last seen after completing a demanding 36-hour shift at the Gatundu facility. A suicide note revealed that she had been struggling, particularly with challenges in her work environment.
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Local police, led by Gatundu South OCPD Stella Cherono, confirmed the incident, which has since sparked calls for reforms in the healthcare sector.
Following her death, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) raised concerns about the harsh working conditions faced by medical interns. Long hours, understaffing, and a lack of support were highlighted as contributing factors to the mental health challenges that healthcare workers face.
KMPDU Central Kenya Chairman Maina Githinji expressed frustration over the inadequate number of doctors and emphasized that this is not the first time a medical intern has died under such circumstances.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah urged immediate reforms in the healthcare system to prioritize workers' mental well-being, improve compensation, and address exploitative working conditions.
This incident comes amid ongoing strikes by healthcare workers demanding better pay, medical coverage, and an improved working environment for medical interns and other sector professionals.
