Desree Moraa: Medical interns announce nationwide go-slow strike to mourn the death of a colleague

• Medical interns in Kenya are demanding better treatment and better working conditions
• This came after one of them, Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, was found dead in her home in Gatundu.
• They regretted that Moraa's death was not an isolated incident, but part of a larger crisis affecting the welfare of medical interns.

The Brotherhood of Medical Interns in Kenya is shocked by the tragic death of their colleague Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi.

Moraa died while on internship at the Gatundu County Referral Hospital in Kiambu County.

Her death sheds light on the profound challenges facing medical interns in Kenya, including financial difficulties and a toxic work environment.

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In a heartfelt statement, the interns expressed their sadness and described Moraa's problems as a reflection of systemic failures in the public health system.

“Dr. Moraa's difficulties in meeting basic needs such as rent and utilities, exacerbated by the relentless demands of superiors and advisers, underscore the negligence faced by many medical interns across Kenya,” the statement said.

The fraternity stressed that the death was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader crisis affecting the mental and physical well-being of medical interns.

The medical interns confirmed that they provide about 30% of the workforce in public health facilities.

This includes working shifts of more than 36 hours without adequate rest breaks or meals. These conditions are unsustainable and have serious consequences for mental health.

The interns called on the Ministry of Health to urgently take action against the “neglect and reckless treatment” of medical interns.

In addition, the brotherhood condemned the “inhumane treatment” that some interns had to endure at the hands of senior doctors and specialists.

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To honour Dr Moraa's memory, medical interns across Kenya have declared 36 hours of mourning, beginning at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 24.

During this time, all interns – including doctors, dentists and pharmacists – stop their services out of respect and protest.

They called on hospital administrations, county health authorities and other relevant authorities to ensure that the health system continues to function smoothly even in their absence.

“We appreciate your cooperation as we advocate for necessary changes to ensure that no other intern experiences the despair that led to Dr. Moraa’s tragic death,” the statement concluded.

What caused Dr. Desree Moraa to die?

The Egerton University graduate was a medical intern at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital before she was found dead on the balcony of her apartment.

In a Facebook post by his colleague C'llin Harry, enormous work pressure and personal problems were cited as reasons for Moraa's death.

She had not eaten anything in the last twelve hours before her death and had not paid her monthly rent, which led to harassment by her landlord.

Source: TUKO.co.ke