An autopsy conducted on Desree Moraa, a medical intern from Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, has provided clarity on the cause of her untimely death. The findings bring attention to an unfortunate incident that has left many in mourning and raises concerns about the emotional and psychological challenges faced by healthcare workers.
What Caused Desree Moraa’s Death?
The autopsy report revealed that Desree Moraa’s death was caused by asphyxia, a condition which occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the body, or an excess buildup of carbon dioxide, resulting in impaired breathing. The post-mortem examination, carried out by pathologist Cathrine Muyendo, confirmed that Moraa’s breathing was severely disrupted, depriving her body of oxygen.
According to Muyendo, this disruption in breathing led to a condition where essential oxygen could not reach Moraa’s vital organs, ultimately leading to her death. The phenomenon of asphyxia can be caused by various factors, including strangulation, which prevents air from entering the lungs and blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
Understanding Asphyxia
A report from Medical News Today explains that asphyxia is often the result of an obstruction that prevents air from entering the respiratory system. This can happen through physical means, such as strangulation, where pressure is applied to the throat, either by hand, ligature, or another object. When the airway is constricted, the flow of oxygen is blocked, and carbon dioxide begins to accumulate in the bloodstream, causing unconsciousness and eventually death if left unresolved.
In Moraa’s case, while specific details regarding how asphyxia occurred have not been made fully public, the medical analysis indicates that her oxygen supply was compromised, leading to fatal consequences.
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Discovery of the Body and Note
Moraa’s body was found on the balcony of her apartment, and the discovery included a note that hinted at the emotional distress she had been experiencing. The note, as per reports, suggested that Moraa had been going through a period of intense stress related to her work environment, adding a layer of complexity to the circumstances surrounding her death.
Friends and colleagues who were close to Moraa described her as a passionate and dedicated healthcare worker. However, in the days leading up to her death, she was reportedly dealing with significant mental health challenges. Those who knew her shared that she had been battling frustration and depression before her tragic passing on Sunday evening, September 22.
Mental Health Struggles at Work
One of Moraa’s close friends revealed that she had been struggling with her mental well-being, especially after an incident that allegedly took place at work just two days before her death. On Friday, September 20, Moraa reportedly had a confrontation with her supervisor at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, which may have contributed to her deteriorating emotional state. This incident is believed to have intensified the stress she was already experiencing, leaving her in a vulnerable mental condition.
While the exact nature of the altercation with her supervisor remains unclear, the revelation that she was in poor mental health prior to her death has raised concerns about the pressures placed on medical interns and healthcare professionals in Kenya.
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Mourning the Loss of a Dedicated Medical Professional
The news of Desree Moraa’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from her family, friends, and colleagues, as well as from the broader medical community. The Ministry of Health also joined in mourning her loss, emphasizing the valuable contribution she made to the healthcare sector, even as an intern.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa paid tribute to Moraa, acknowledging her passion for healthcare and the impact she had already made on the lives of many patients. Despite being early in her medical career, Moraa’s commitment to helping others had left a lasting impression on those who worked with her.
Barasa expressed her condolences to Moraa’s family and highlighted the importance of supporting healthcare workers, particularly young professionals like Moraa, who often face immense pressure in their roles. She noted that Moraa’s death is a tragic reminder of the challenges faced by those working in the healthcare industry.
The Importance of Mental Health in the Healthcare Sector
Moraa’s passing has sparked conversations about the mental health challenges faced by medical interns and professionals in Kenya. Healthcare workers are often exposed to stressful environments, long hours, and emotionally taxing situations, which can take a toll on their well-being. For many young professionals, especially those just entering the field, the pressure to meet expectations and handle demanding workloads can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has previously raised concerns about the mental health of healthcare workers, calling for better support systems and resources to address these issues. Moraa’s death has reignited calls for hospitals and health institutions to implement mental health programs that offer support, counseling, and stress management tools for healthcare workers.
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Workplace Stress and Its Impact
Workplace stress is a serious concern in the medical field, particularly for interns who are often at the early stages of their careers. They may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for patients, coupled with the pressures of learning and adapting to new environments.
The incident involving Moraa’s alleged confrontation with her supervisor highlights the importance of effective communication and support in the workplace. Poor relationships with supervisors or colleagues, combined with a lack of mentorship, can lead to heightened stress levels, making it difficult for young professionals to cope.
Moving Forward: The Need for Support Systems
In light of Moraa’s death, there is a growing recognition of the need for more robust mental health support systems within Kenya’s healthcare sector. Medical institutions should prioritize the well-being of their staff, particularly interns and junior healthcare workers who may be more vulnerable to the pressures of the job.
Implementing regular mental health check-ins, offering counseling services, and fostering a supportive and understanding work environment could help prevent tragedies like Moraa’s from occurring in the future. Additionally, encouraging open dialogue about mental health can help reduce the stigma surrounding these issues, making it easier for healthcare workers to seek help when they need it.
The tragic death of Desree Moraa serves as a somber reminder of the significant challenges that healthcare professionals face, both physically and mentally. Asphyxia was determined to be the direct cause of her death, but the emotional and psychological pressures she endured at work also played a crucial role in her untimely passing.
Moraa’s story underscores the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace, particularly in high-stress environments like hospitals. As her family, friends, and colleagues mourn her loss, there is a collective call for action to ensure that other healthcare workers receive the support they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
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