Moroccan Health Professionals Continue Strike in Tetouan Over Working Conditions

Health professionals in Tetouan, Morocco, are continuing their fifth consecutive day of protests at the regional hospital, expressing deep dissatisfaction with working conditions in the newly opened facility. The strike reflects a significant level of discontent among staff, who accuse the regional health group's administration of ignoring their concerns and refusing dialogue.

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a natural and direct reaction to the policy of deaf ears and running forward

The union's regional secretary, Hamza Ibrahimi, stated that the demands are clear and reasonable. They include the immediate release of financial entitlements related to promotions, the disbursement of allowances for guard duty and health programs, and the restoration of travel grants. Additionally, the professionals are calling for an immediate halt to what they describe as arbitrary transfer decisions affecting personnel in Ksar El Kbir, which they claim have severely disrupted the health system.

Ibrahimi described the hospital's situation as "catastrophic" despite being operational for less than four weeks. He cited a severe lack of essential equipment and medical supplies, with the hospital relying on makeshift solutions and equipment borrowed from another facility. Basic machinery is reportedly out of service due to a lack of maintenance. The situation is exacerbated by operating at full capacity with a significant shortage of human resources, placing immense psychological and physical pressure on staff. This, he warned, leads to delays in appointments and extended hospital stays, potentially infringing on citizens' constitutional right to dignified healthcare.

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We work in difficult conditions characterized by a severe shortage of vital equipment and medical supplies, with makeshift reliance on equipment brought from Saniet Raml hospital, not to mention the breakdown of essential devices without any maintenance.

While acknowledging the positive efforts of local authorities to mediate, Ibrahimi strongly condemned the administration of the regional health group for failing to attend a pre-arranged emergency meeting. He characterized this absence as an unacceptable disregard for the suffering of professionals and patients. The union emphasized that the protest is a peaceful and organized effort to prevent the hospital's collapse and urged authorities to intervene immediately and engage in serious dialogue. The union holds the administration fully responsible for any further deterioration and is prepared to escalate legitimate actions if necessary.

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unacceptable contempt for the suffering of professionals and the rights of patients