38-Year-Old Gynecologist Becomes First Kenyan Medic to Die of Covid-19

A 38-year-old gynecologist and obstetrician has become the first Kenyan healthcare worker to succumb to Covid-19.

Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki, who worked at The Nairobi South Hospital, died of the virus while undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital ICU unit on Friday morning. She was admitted to the facility after contracting the contagious disease at her workplace.

Her passing was confirmed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) through Twitter.

“KMPDU mourns the death of Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki who passed on due to COVID-19 contracted at the workplace. We reiterate & remind GOK & ALL Private health facilities that the Welfare, Occupational Safety & Health of frontline workers is a non-negotiable Minimum!!,” the union stated.

Her colleagues led by former KMPDU secretary-general Dr. Ouma Oluga described the deceased as a diligent doctor.

“Go well Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki. You enjoyed the practice of gynecology. And then you were just beginning to get deeper into the career that you loved so much. We shall miss you dearly. Deep Condolences to the entire medical fraternity, friends and the family,” Oluga tweeted.

Dr. Bosire Wairimu wrote: “Today, the Medical Fraternity in Kenya mourns😔. We mourn our own, Dr. Adisa Lugaliki, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist who succumbed in the line of duty due to #Covid_19 😭😭. May your soul find eternal peace.”

On Tuesday, the Health Ministry said a total of 257 Kenyan healthcare workers have so far been infected with Covid-19.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said the medics contracted the virus in the line of duty even as he assured of the government’s commitment to protecting frontline workers.