The journey of medical interns in Kenya is a tale of endurance and sacrifice. Bound by a commitment to save lives, these emerging doctors navigate a path that is as challenging as it is essential, bridging theoretical knowledge from medical school with the tough realities of real-world practice.
Recently, Kenyan doctors issued a strike notice, a move that highlights the critical issue of intern postings. This action brings to the forefront a deep-seated crisis within the healthcare system, emphasising the vital role of interns in delivering patient care, especially in public hospitals.
Medical interns are the backbone of healthcare services, particularly in Kenya's public hospitals. Despite their vital role, they encounter demanding conditions, including excessive work hours, delayed compensation and the expectation to perform complex medical procedures with minimal rest. This unsustainable situation not only jeopardises their health and well-being but also affects the quality of patient care.
In the heart of Kenya's busy healthcare system, a crisis quietly unfolds—one that challenges the foundation of medical practice and patient care. Yet, their journey is filled with obstacles, a reality I am intimately familiar with.
My internship was a trial by fire. I recall a particularly challenging weekend at Embu Provincial General Hospital, where I was stationed. A colleague fell ill, leaving me to manage a 72-hour shift over a weekend and a public holiday Monday. Despite the exhaustion, my consultant expected me at the next morning's ward round, showcasing the relentless demands placed on interns.
One Friday night is particularly memorable: I performed seven caesarian sections consecutively. The physical and mental toll was significant, yet it underscored the critical role interns play in patient care, often leading to medical emergencies.
I planned to visit my family in Nairobi after that taxing night, only to wake up a day later, having missed numerous calls from my concerned mother. This episode not only highlighted the exhaustion but also the personal sacrifices made, often going unnoticed.
The challenges extended beyond the wards. I spent the first half of my internship year without pay, depending on family support to get by. When my government salary finally came through, a large portion was taken up by debts accumulated over those six months. The rest barely covered basic needs, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by medical interns.
This period of my life was characterised by significant contradictions: immense responsibility in the hospital contrasted with my own financial instability. It was a continuous cycle of work, sleep and concern about the next day's provisions.
The strike notice by doctors is more than a protest; it's a call for attention to the difficulties medical interns face. The government's attempt to pressure interns into unpaid labour under the pretext of cost-saving measures is an injustice. It not only disrespects the medical profession but also puts patient care at risk by burdening interns with unsustainable workloads and financial stress.
The Kenyan healthcare system urgently needs reforms to address the challenges faced by medical interns. Despite a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the government, which includes protections for internship postings and mandates adequate funding, the main problem has been its implementation.
To rectify this, it's critical that the government follows the CBA, ensuring timely and fair compensation for interns, reasonable work hours, and adequate rest and support systems. Implementing these measures as outlined in the CBA would protect the health and well-being of interns and enable them to provide the highest quality of patient care.
Fulfilling the CBA in full is vital for the ongoing improvement of the healthcare system and for nurturing a motivated, healthy workforce capable of meeting the demands of medical service with diligence and empathy.
Reflecting on my journey and the challenges interns face, I am reminded of the collective strength and resilience within the medical community. The path to change is challenging but necessary. We must push for fair compensation, reasonable working hours, and a supportive environment for interns. These improvements are crucial not just for the well-being of medical professionals but for the health of society.
The story of medical interns in Kenya is one of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to patient care. It's time for their voices to be heard, their difficulties acknowledged, and their contributions appreciated. Together, we can build a better future for the next generation of doctors, ensuring that the trenches of healing are a place of growth, not adversity.
