Congestion Plagues New Tetouan Hospital Weeks After Opening

Weeks after its much-anticipated opening, the new Regional Hospital of Specialties in Tetouan, Morocco, is already embroiled in controversy. Despite hopes that the modern facility would bolster the region's healthcare services, it has quickly become the target of criticism due to premature equipment malfunctions and a notable shortage of human resources.

Union sources have reported that nurses in the emergency department have initiated a sit-in protest outside the hospital administration. They cite deteriorating professional, organizational, and technical conditions within the institution, which began receiving transferred patients from the Saniat Ramel Regional Hospital less than a month ago. This protest highlights a growing tension within the hospital, a project intended to be a cornerstone of healthcare development in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.

Protesters point to a series of technical and organizational breakdowns, including the malfunctioning of essential equipment such as the CT scanner and several elevators. Furthermore, there is a reported deficit in critical supplies, including ventilators for the operating rooms. Adding to the strain, the hospital has reportedly resorted to using older equipment transferred from the Saniat Ramel hospital, which was not originally intended for the new facility. These issues not only impact the working conditions of healthcare professionals but also compromise the quality of services provided to patients.

The National Union of Public Health in Tetouan has called for urgent intervention from regional and central authorities to address the situation. They demand a serious dialogue with healthcare professionals to resolve the escalating tensions and ensure adequate working conditions. The union also seeks to address outstanding administrative and financial matters, including promotion arrears and the payment of dues for on-call and standby duties, which some staff have not received for nearly a year. This situation has deepened feelings of injustice and dissatisfaction among hospital workers.