In September, a 27-year-old medical intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital in Kiambu Central County took her own life.
Dr. Desree Moraa Obvogi has just finished a grueling 36-hour shift that her co-workers say has taken a toll on her mental health.
They said she was also struggling to pay her rent and utility bills.
Dr Muinde Ntusi, chairman of the KMPDU Interns Liaison Committee, blamed financial difficulties and a “toxic” work environment for his death.
During the funeral, Obvoga’s family asked the government to take responsibility and answer for the lost life, local media reported.
Other recent suicide cases noted by the KMPDU include Vincent Bosira Nyambunde, an intern at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital; Collins Kiprop Kosgei, a fifth-year medical student at the University of Nairobi, and Keith Makori, a 30-year-old medical practitioner from Kiambu Central County.
Young doctors are mobilizing on X under the hashtag #PayMedicalInterns to push for better pay and better working conditions. Last week, they marched to the Ministry of Health buildings to express their frustration.
“Our doctors and nurses bear the brunt of a broken system, but their cries are drowned out by the greed of those in power.” Dr. Kipkoech Cheruiyot hosted on the X platform, external.
Health officials did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment.
But responding to the rise in suicides in September, Health Minister Deborah Barroso said it was “a stark reminder of the silent struggle that many, including health workers, often face”.
The minister announced plans to introduce “robust mental health programs in the workplace” for healthcare workers across the country to “ensure support systems are strengthened and those facing challenges do not feel alone”.
Medical experts say many young doctors also experience “moral damage” or psychological trauma because they feel guilty for not doing enough to treat patients, even when they have tried their best in difficult circumstances.
“Thinking that you could have saved the patient’s life but couldn’t can lead to feelings of guilt, shame and helplessness, contributing to mental health problems,” Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda, a psychiatrist, told Kenya’s Standard newspaper. .
Trainee doctors have told the BBC that most medical schools do not adequately address the issue of suicide, leaving new and jaded doctors ill-equipped to deal with traumatic ordeals – compounded by low pay.
“A healthy doctor builds a healthy nation. When I’m stressed or depressed as a doctor, I might even forget how to resuscitate a patient, which can lead to death,” said one intern.
“It is dangerous for demotivated doctors to serve you. It becomes a thankless job.”
About 1,400 Kenyans commit suicide every year, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. But some analysts believe the real numbers could be higher.
Suicide is still a criminal offense in Kenya, where attempted suicide is punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
The law has been widely criticized, with some rights groups calling for its repeal, arguing that it further stigmatizes mental health issues and discourages people from seeking help.
“How many doctors are we going to bury before the government starts to act?” – asked Dr. Adove.
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