Another Intern Doctor Commits Suicide As KMPDU Slams Gov’t
Kenya’s medical community has been devastated by the terrible loss of Francis Njuki, a medical intern doctor at the Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County.
ANOTHER INTERN DOCTOR COMMITS SUICIDE due to unpaid internship by @MOH_Kenya@DeboraBarasa How many doctors do you want dead in order to pay interns @kmpdu@Davji @KenyaMedics_KMA@simonkigondu
— Medical Intern (@TheIntern254) November 26, 2024
Rest easy Dr. FRANCIS NJUKI 🕊 🕊 🕊lost an intern doctor (Pharmacist) from Thika L5
According to reports, Njuki, a pharmacist at the medical center, allegedly committed himself on Tuesday, November 26, following a protracted mental and financial struggle.
While announcing Njuki’s death, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah criticized the government for carelessness over health professionals’ concerns.
The government of Kenya will have to decide in the next few days whether to have doctors in the hospitals. pic.twitter.com/D1uDUKGQMr
— KMPDU (@kmpdu) November 26, 2024
According to him, excessive working hours with little or no leisure time, along with low compensation and occasionally delayed salaries, could lead to suicide.
“Another doctor intern has tragically taken his own life this morning, a heartbreaking outcome of relentless workplace frustrations under a government that seems indifferent,” Attelah commented.
“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,” he added.
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…
— Davji Bhimji Atellah (@Davji) November 26, 2024
Atellah stated that the union would soon launch a campaign demanding accountability from the government.
However, his comment elicited conflicting reactions from Kenyans, with some accusing him of abandoning the fight for the rights of healthcare workers.
“You prematurely ended the strike. Part of me still blames you and other KMPDU members for failing the junior lot. They are suffering. Act or keep silent,” commented a Kenyan.
The latest occurrence occurred just two months after another intern doctor, Desree Moraa, a former medical officer at the Gatundu Level Five Hospital, committed himself under mysterious circumstances.
According to a police report, Moraa’s body was discovered dangling from the rooftop of his bedroom balcony by her colleagues, who had been looking for her after she failed to answer their calls.
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The police also reported that the body was discovered hanging from a tightrope, with a note she had left explaining why she had made her decision.
Her colleagues, who commented on the topic, blamed her death on the rigorous working conditions, with reports claiming Moraa worked for more than 36 hours before her death.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa lamented Moraa’s death and promised to improve working conditions for all health workers around the country.
Counsellors, doctors, and psychologists all urge that you get treatment if you are experiencing any mental health problems. For assistance, call the Kenya Red Cross’s toll-free hotline at 1199.
Another Intern Doctor Commits Suicide As KMPDU Slams Gov’t
