On September 22, 2024, Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a medical intern at Gatundu County Referral Hospital, faced her final day, heartbreakingly overwhelmed at work.
The medical intern had only been at the hospital for four weeks, having transferred from Nakuru Level 5 Hospital.
Desree completed a grueling 36-hour shift in the surgical ward, a shift that left her physically and emotionally drained.
Fellow interns reported that Desree Moraa often worked alone in the ward, with no nurses to help her. This isolation added to the stress of working long hours.
Desree Moraa also worked in a difficult work environment. Where toxic supervisors frequently shouted at interns and humiliated them in front of patients.
She was also struggling to make ends meet, reportedly having gone months without pay.
How did Desree Moraa Spend her Final Moments?
On that fateful Sunday, Desree returned to her shared one-bedroom apartment, seeking some solace after her exhausting shift.
She wore black jeans and a cream hoodie, casual attire that belied the turmoil she felt inside.
First, she grabbed some ice cream, which was to be her final meal.
Then she told her roommate she wanted to be alone on the balcony. It was a simple request that masked her her despair, pain and feelings of isolation.
Desree’s struggles had been evident to those close to her. She had confided in friends about the relentless pressure of her job, her frustrations with the treatment she endured, and the sense of hopelessness that loomed over her. Just days earlier, she had a confrontation with a supervisor known for their harsh treatment of interns, a disagreement that only added to her emotional burden.
As the evening wore on, Desree’s roommate went about her own activities, blissfullyunaware of the depths of her distress.
Tragically, Desree chose that quiet moment on the balcony to end her life.
But first, she wrote a suicide note detailing her despair, lack of support and the toxic environment that contributed to her tragic decision.
When her roommate finally went to check on her, she was met with an unimaginable scene. Desree was discovered hanging, a tragic end to a beautiful and promising life.
The apartment caretaker was the first to arrive at the scene. Upon discovering Desree’s lifeless body, he called the police, who arrived and transported her to the morgue at the same hospital where she had tirelessly worked.
A postmortem report showed that she died from asphyxia caused by a lack of oxygen or an excess of carbon dioxide in the body.
KMPDU Calls for Better Working Conditions
The news of Desree’s death sent shockwaves through the medical community. Friends and colleagues were devastated, and many began to speak out about the intolerable conditions faced by interns.
In response to this tragic event, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called for urgent changes in the healthcare system.
They are demanding for better working conditions for interns, including fair pay, manageable hours, and a supportive environment that focuses on mental well-being.
The union expressed their grief, noting that this was not an isolated case but part of a worrying trend that has also affected other interns.
Desree Moraa’s sad end highlights the importance of mental health support for medical workers. It shows the urgent need for changes to ensure that no healthcare worker feels alone or overwhelmed.
Her story is a call for compassion and understanding in a field that deals with life and death.
By Vivian K.