The medical fraternity in Kenya is in deep pain following the death of another young Kenyan doctor who succumbed to COVID-19.
Dr Stephen Mogusu who was appealing for help to raise funds for his medication gave in to the complications of the virus on Monday, December 7.
The death of the young medical professional irked medics and citizens equally after it was established that the doctor had not received his pay for five months.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) termed the news as devastating, highlighting the sad circumstances the doctor went through.
“Devastating to announce the demise of 28-year-old Dr. Stephen Mogusu who has succumbed to COVID-19 complications. At the time of his death he had not received his salary for 5 months ,had no insurance and his young family left with no compensation,” KMPDU tweeted the sad news.
The union which had just postponed their looming strike on Sunday, December 6, with 14 days termed Mogusu’s death a very priceless and painful sacrifice for patriotism.
“Too steep a price for Patriotism,” the union tweeted.
Kenyan medics have been decrying poor working conditions and lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which has exposed them to the deadly virus.
Early on Monday, December 7, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) also announced the demise of a nurse Nelly Masolo who collapsed and died while at work at Lwanda Health Centre, Bungoma county.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce yet another untimely loss in our profession. Nurse Nelly Masolo who was working at Lwanda Health Centre in Bungoma collapsed this morning and lost her life,” KNUN tweeted.
The nurses’ union raised concern over the sudden increasing number of their members succumbing to COVID-19.
KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako announced that 23,000 nurses across the country had downed their tools and would only resume when their grievances are fully addressed.