By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Kenya’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny as alarming reports emerge of trainee doctors taking their own lives, driven by overwhelming work conditions and financial hardships. Over the past two months, five young medics have died by suicide, a devastating toll that underscores the precarious state of the nation’s public healthcare sector. The deaths have ignited widespread outrage and calls for urgent reform as the government faces mounting pressure to address the plight of overburdened medical interns.
The tragic death of 29-year-old trainee pharmacist Francis Njuki has become a poignant symbol of this crisis. Njuki, who had been working without pay for four months at a public hospital in Thika, cited the delayed salaries as a key factor in his mental health struggles, according to a note he left behind. Like many interns in Kenya, he faced immense challenges in meeting basic needs such as rent and utility bills while enduring grueling work shifts that often stretched up to 36 hours. Njuki’s case is not isolated.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has documented five suicides and multiple attempts by its members this year, a stark departure from previous years and an indicator of the growing mental health crisis within the profession.
Medical interns, who constitute a vital part of Kenya’s public healthcare workforce, are routinely overworked and underpaid. They account for about 30% of the staff in state-run hospitals, where they shoulder a significant portion of patient care responsibilities under supervision. Despite their indispensable role, many have not been compensated since their deployment in August, leaving them to grapple with financial insecurity and deteriorating mental health. The government recently released $7.4 million to pay more than 1,200 interns, but frustrations persist as the pay remains inadequate to match the demands of their roles.
The problem is compounded by the government’s long-standing disputes with medical unions over salaries and working conditions. While the unions advocate for maintaining a monthly intern salary of $1,600 as agreed in 2017, the government has proposed slashing it to $540, citing fiscal constraints. President William Ruto’s statement that “we must live within our means” has further fueled resentment among healthcare workers, many of whom feel undervalued and abandoned.
The recent death of pediatrician Dr. Timothy Riungu illustrates the dire consequences of the current system. Dr. Riungu, a diabetic, collapsed and died at home after a 48-hour shift at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. His death was attributed to hypoglycemia and exhaustion, highlighting the lack of support for healthcare workers who are often forced to prioritize their duties over their own well-being.
Mental health experts warn that the intense work environment, coupled with inadequate training on handling trauma and moral injury, leaves young doctors ill-equipped to navigate the emotional toll of their profession. Suicide prevention in Kenya remains a neglected area, and the stigma surrounding mental health issues is exacerbated by laws criminalizing attempted suicide. Critics argue that these laws deter individuals from seeking help and further isolate those in distress.
As the campaign gains momentum, doctors and unions are calling for systemic reforms to improve working conditions, ensure timely compensation, and implement mental wellness programs. The government’s inaction risks not only the lives of its healthcare workers but also the broader stability of the public health sector. As one intern starkly put it, “A demotivated doctor is a dangerous person to serve you.” Without immediate intervention, Kenya risks further eroding the morale of its frontline medical workforce, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the nation’s health.
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