The Department of Health Services in Kiambu County experienced a sombre atmosphere as medical interns gathered to mourn the loss of their colleague who took his own life. Francis Njuki, a 29-year-old trainee pharmacist, had been struggling with exhaustion and frustration over the delay in receiving his salary since starting his internship in August. He is the fifth medic in Kenya to commit suicide in the past two months due to work-related stress and lack of adequate insurance coverage, according to Dr Davji Atellah of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
Njuki, who was interning at a public hospital in Thika town, had reported hallucinations and depression caused by sleep deprivation. His family revealed that the delayed salary payments worsened his mental health struggles, leading to his tragic decision. Interns across the country have been facing similar challenges, with the government citing financial constraints for the payment delays.
Despite interns being a vital part of the healthcare workforce in public hospitals, they have been dealing with low salaries and challenging working conditions. The government has proposed cutting the monthly salary of interns, sparking further discontent among the medical community. Many young doctors are considering leaving the country for better opportunities abroad or switching careers due to the financial hardships they are facing.
The recent suicides and attempted suicides among medical professionals have highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers in Kenya. The government has been urged to take responsibility for the loss of lives and to improve working conditions for interns. The ongoing disputes over salaries and working conditions have led to strikes and protests by medical unions, further exacerbating the situation.
The tragic deaths of medical interns like Francis Njuki and Desree Moraa Obwogi underscore the challenges faced by healthcare workers in Kenya. The lack of adequate support for mental health issues and the demanding work environment have taken a toll on the young doctors, leading to a crisis in the healthcare system. The need for better pay, improved working conditions, and mental wellness programmes for healthcare workers has never been more critical.