Doctors threaten strike after intern dies in Kiambu

Doctors have threatened to take severe action, including suspending their services, after the death of an in-house pharmacist stationed at Kiambu Hospital. allegedly by suicide.

The Kenya Doctors, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) cited financial difficulties as the apparent factor behind the doctor’s action.

“E“Earlier in September, we lost Dr Desiree Moraa in similar circumstances… and I know of five people who attempted suicide and were rescued and hospitalized,” KMPDU general secretary Dr Devji Atellah, in a press release.

He declared that the collective agreement signed in 2017 concerning the remuneration of doctors was not respected.

Dr. Atellah said it is unacceptable to implement universal health coverage without considering the well-being of the doctors expected to provide these services.

For six months, he said, they have been waiting for the implementation of the ABC 2017 as ordered by the courts, but nothing was given.

“We say enough is enough and tomorrow, November 27, we will speak at a press conference on our next steps,” he said.

In a separate statement, IThe intern doctors demanded compensation for the family of their deceased colleague.

Through their Trainee Liaison Committee chaired by Dr Muinde Nthusi and Dr. Elisha Otieno as sgeneral secretary, trainee doctors decried “insurmountable” financial difficulties within the medical fraternity which made it difficult for them to meet their basic needs, like rent and utility bills.

According to them, this situation was made worse by four months of unpaid salaries which pushed most of them to the brink.

“Crushing financial constraints are taking a toll on overall mental well-being. This devastating incident is not an isolated case; it starkly highlights the urgent need for the Department of Health and the government to address to the negligence and inconsiderate treatment of internal doctors,” they said. declared.

Internal doctors said they continued to work in unfavorable conditions despite constituting a significant part of the healthcare staff in public establishments.

On September 24, Dr. Moraa, who was then a medical intern was found dead on the balcony of his apartment in an apparent case of suicide.

Her colleagues said fatigue from a 36-hour shift, compounded by financial problems, could likely push her into an emotional breakdown.

“We must ask ourselves: How many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?” » asked the intern doctors.

“In view of these dire circumstances, we hereby call on all internal physicians in public health facilities, community and industrial practice placements and major referral hospitals, to withdraw their services indefinitely until a resolution satisfactory compensation is found,” the statement said. » said the trainee liaison committee.

“Our demand is simple and unequivocal: pay internal doctors now!”

KMPDU and the Trainee Liaison Committee Sent condolences to family and friends of their deceased colleague.

“His passing is a painful reminder of the systemic failures that continue to plague the medical profession. We cannot allow this cycle of despair to continue any longer.”