Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa is facing fierce backlash following the tragic death of Dr. Francis Njuki Gachimo, a medical intern at Thika Level 5 Hospital, who reportedly took his own life.
This incident is the second suicide among medical interns in Kiambu County within two months, highlighting what critics have called her gross incompetence and failure to protect healthcare workers.
Dr. Gachimo, a 29-year-old pharmacist, was found hanging in his rented home in Kiganjo Estate.
Ministry of Health CS Deborah Mulongo. Photo: Citizen Digital Source: Facebook
Police reports revealed he had been battling depression, a condition exacerbated by the punishing environment interns face.
The young doctor’s death comes on the heels of Dr. Desree Moraa’s suicide at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, raising questions about the state of mental health support under CS Barasa’s watch.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has repeatedly decried the inhumane conditions faced by interns, including working 36-hour shifts for months without pay.
Health CS Dr Barasa Deborah. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
Yet, CS Barasa has remained conspicuously silent, offering no solutions or tangible reforms.
“This is a failure of leadership at the highest level,” said KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah. “
How many more lives will be lost before Deborah Barasa acknowledges the crisis? Four months of unpaid labour under gruelling conditions would break even the strongest among us.”
The health docket under Barasa’s tenure has been marred by complaints of mismanagement, indifference, and a blatant disregard for healthcare workers’ well-being.
Despite repeated calls for action, interns continue to suffer in silence, with their cries for support falling on deaf ears.
Kenyans are outraged, demanding Barasa’s immediate resignation.
“She has failed to safeguard the lives and mental health of our doctors. Enough is enough,” said a furious commenter.
The deaths of Dr. Gachimo and others are a painful reminder of the dire need for urgent reforms.
Deborah Barasa must take full responsibility for this crisis, or step aside for someone who will.
