KMPDU calls for probe into intern doctor's death

Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called for thorough investigation into the death of an intern doctor at a hospital.

Dr Laban Langat, who was an intern at Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital (PGH), was found dead on Saturday morning, in a trench outside Margaret Kenyatta Mother and Baby wing.

KMPDU, in a statement through Secretary General Davji Bhimji, said the circumstances surrounding Langat's death were shrouded in mystery.

"As KMPDU, we call for an immediate and thorough investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to establish the cause of his death," said the union.

The union urged the relevant authorities to expedite the investigations and ensure justice is served swiftly.

They called for enhanced security within medical facilities and urged the county government and hospital management to prioritize the safety of healthcare workers, particularly medical interns.

"Hospitals must adhere to KMPDC rules, including providing secure housing within hospital premises for medical interns," the union stated.

KMPDU said it would not tolerate any compromise on the security of doctors and medical interns.

The union emphasised that the safety of health workers was paramount in delivering quality services and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system.

"KMPDU will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to unravel the circumstances surrounding Dr Langat's death and hold accountable anyone found culpable of foul play," the union stated.

They promised to work tirelessly until justice for the medic is served.

KMPDU said it was deeply saddened by the tragic death of the doctor, which was a loss to the medical fraternity.

"The loss of a young doctor is a devastating blow to our healthcare system. He represented the future of our profession, and his tragic demise reverberates through the entire medical fraternity," said KMPDU.

Nakuru West Sub County Police Commander Francis Wahome said the body of the intern doctor had no signs of injury.

"Without any sign of injuries, it is difficult to tell what caused his death. A postmortem will tell us more about the cause of death," said Wahome.