Kiambu: Tragic Death Of Medical Intern Highlights Mental Health Crisis In Healthcare Sector

• Dr Desree Moraa Obwogi, a young medical community, was found dead on the balcony of her apartment
• Her friends attributed the death to immense work pressure and personal struggles, which included round-the-clock 12-hour shifts that sometimes stretched into 36 hours
• A source from the county told TUKO.co.ke that as much as health is a devolved function, medical interns are paid by the national government

Kiambu County — The medical community is in mourning following the tragic death of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, deceased a medical intern.

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

What killed Dr Moraa?

A Facebook post by colleague C'llin Harry, cited immense work pressure and personal struggles contributing to Moraa's demise.

Moraa reportedly faced significant stress from the gruelling demands of her internship.

This included round-the-clock 12-hour shifts that sometimes stretched into 36 hours.

"She had no food in the last 12 hours before her death," Harry wrote, highlighting the physical toll of her responsibilities.

Focus on mental health among healthcare workers

Additionally, financial pressures weighed heavily on her as she had not paid her rent for the month, resulting in harassment from her landlord.

Harry emphasized that Moraa did not drink or smoke, suggesting that she dealt with her struggles internally, without seeking solace in substances.

He further stressed the importance of mental health care, especially for medical interns, whose schedules and emotional burdens often go unnoticed.

"Let's pray for all medical interns in the country because what we're going through cannot be expressed in words," he continued.

Who pays medical interns in Kenya?

The tragedy has sparked concern within the healthcare community, raising questions about the working conditions of hospital interns nationwide.

Calls for reforms, including better support systems, humane working hours, and access to mental health services, have grown louder in the wake of the death.

As investigations continue, the medical community is left grappling with the devastating loss of a promising young doctor.

They have also demanded accountability and action to ensure no other intern suffers the same fate.

Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, a source from the county government clarified that while health is a devolved function, medical interns are paid by the national government.