Medical Fraternity Thrown Into Mourning After Intern Doctor Dies by Suicide

Kenya’s medical fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Francis Njuki, a medical intern doctor at the Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County.

Reports reveal that Njuki, who worked as a pharmacist at the medical facility, allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday, November 26, after a long struggle both mentally and financially. 

While confirming Njuki’s demise, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah accused the government of what he termed as negligence of health workers’ affairs.

According to him, long working hours with little or no resting time coupled with meagre pay and sometimes delayed salaries could potentially drive one to end their life. 

“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.

Atellah reiterated that the union would soon embark on a campaign to demand accountability from the government. However, his comment sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some criticising him for allegedly abandoning the fight for the plights 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 incident comes barely two months after another intern doctor, Desree Moraa, a former medical officer at the Gatundu Level Five Hospital, committed suicide under unclear circumstances.

According to a police report, Moraa’s body was reportedly found dangling from the rooftop of his bedroom’s balcony by her colleagues, who came searching for her after failing to pick up their calls.

The police further revealed that the body was found hanging on a tight rope, and next to her was a note she left, and on it, she had written the reason for her decision.

Her colleagues, while commenting on the matter, attributed her death to the strenuous working conditions, with reports suggesting that Moraa allegedly worked for more than 36 hours before her death.

Following Moraa’s death, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa mourned the deceased, promising to realign working conditions for all health workers across the country.

Counsellors, medics, and psychologists recommend seeking help whenever you experience any mental health issue. Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.