Medical intern at Thika Level 5 hospital dies by suicide

A medical intern at Thika Level 5 Hospital has tragically died by suicide in his rented house in Kiganjo Estate, Thika, Kiambu County.

According to police reports, the body of Francis Njuki Gachimo, aged 29, was discovered on Monday, November 25th, hanging from the ceiling with a black manila rope around his neck.

A report filed at Kimuchu Police Post on the same day by Sammy Mwinga Kariuki at around 6:00 p.m. indicated that his cousin had found him deceased in his rental house at Corner Two, approximately 2 kilometers east of the station.

Police officers from Kimuchu Police Station responded to the scene and found Dr. Gachimo’s body hanging from the ceiling.

A black manila rope was around his neck, and no other physical injuries were noted. A suicide note was recovered at the scene, and the body was later taken to General Kago Morgue for preservation and postmortem examination.

Dr. Gachimo, who had been working as a medical intern in the Pharmacy Department at Thika Level 5 Hospital, was last seen on the evening of November 24th.

Concerned about his whereabouts, his cousin went to check on him and found the house locked from the inside. After notifying the landlord, they broke into the house and discovered the lifeless body.

The police report further revealed that the deceased had been battling depression and had been receiving treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital.

This tragedy comes just months after the death by suicide of Dr. Desree Moraa, another medical intern, at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital.

These incidents have sparked discussions about the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers in Kenya.

Thika West Police Subcounty Commander, Lawrence Muchangi, confirmed that his officers responded to the incident involving the deceased. He stated that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.

Many people, including health professionals and the public, are calling for measures to improve working conditions, increase pay, and provide better mental health support for medical practitioners.

According to the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) National Secretary-General, Dr. Davji Atellah, workplace frustrations are a significant factor in such incidents.

“This is the second similar incident to occur within two months in Kiambu County, following the death of another medical officer who also died by suicide at Gatundu Hospital a month ago,” Dr. Atellah said.

“Four months of working 36-hour shifts without pay can break even the strongest among us. Our hearts ache as the medical fraternity mourns our younger brothers and sisters. We shall not take this anymore,” Dr. Atellah wrote on his Facebook page.

Dr James Githinji the KMPDU Central region chair regretted the death of the young pharmacist who was among the very hardworking intern doctors at his Pharmacy department at Thika level 5 hospital.

Githinji called for changes to improve working conditions, increase pay, and provide better support for medical professionals who are struggling with their mental health.