The medical community is in mourning after the suicide of an intern

The medical community in Kenya is in mourning following the tragic death of Francis Njuka, a trainee doctor at Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County.

Reports indicate that Njuki, who worked as a pharmacist at a medical facility, allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday, November 26, after a long struggle with mental and financial problems.

Confirming Njuki’s death, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) secretary-general Davji Atellah accused the government of what he called negligence in the affairs of health workers.

According to him, long working hours with little or no rest time, combined with meager pay and sometimes delayed payments, could potentially lead to people taking their own lives.

“This morning, another medical trainee tragically took his own life, a heartbreaking result of ongoing workplace frustrations under a seemingly indifferent government,” Attelah commented.

“Four months of working 36-hour shifts without pay can break even the strongest of us. Our hearts ache as the medical community mourns our younger brothers and sisters,” he added.

Atellah reiterated that the relationship would soon begin a a campaign to demand accountability from the government. However, his comment sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some criticizing him for allegedly failing to fight for the plight of health workers.

“You ended the strike prematurely. Part of me still blames you and other KMPDU members for the failure of the juniors. They are suffering. Act or remain silent,” commented the Kenyan.

The latest incident comes just two months after another trainee doctor, Desree Moraa, a former doctor at Gatundu Level Five Hospital, committed suicide under unclear circumstances.

According to the police report, Morai’s body was reported to be hanging from the roof his bedroom balcony by her friends who came looking for her after they didn’t answer her phone.

Police further revealed that the body was found hanging from a tight rope with a note lying next to her on which she had written the reason for her decision.

Her colleagues, commenting on the case, attributed her death to grueling working conditions, and reports indicated that Moraa had allegedly worked more than 36 hours before her death.

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

Counselors, doctors and psychologists recommend seeking help if you experience any mental health problems. For help, call the Kenya Red Cross free hotline on 1199.