28 year-old Kenyan doctor succumbs to COVID-19, as clinical officers strike

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7-A 28 year-old doctor is the latest victim of COVID-19 in the country.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dental Union has identified the doctor as Stephen Mogusu.

According to the union, which last night extended their strike notice by two weeks, Mogusu had not received his salary for 5 months at the time of his death.

The deceased, the union also said, did not have an insurance cover meaning his “young family” will not be compensated.

“Too steep a price for patriotism,” the union said in a tweet.

“KMPDU mourns with the family and friends. May his soul rest in internal peace.”

Since March when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country, the disease has claimed the lives of more than 30 doctors.

Of those, include 10 specialist doctors.

The disease has so far claimed 1,531 lives in Kenya according to the Ministry of Health.

Further, there are 1, 171 patients admitted in various health facilities countrywide with 8,127 on home based isolation and care.

Some 83 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, 40 of whom are on ventilatory support and 42 on supplemental oxygen.

The doctors union, like nurses and clinical officers, have castigated the government for lack of a proper protective gear and lack of a comprehensive medical insurance cover.

They also want their salaries and allowances reviewed.

There are 7,333 registered doctors in the country serving a 50 million population.