Morocco: Health Groups Protest Staff Transfers from Ksar El Kebir Hospital Amid Shortages

Moroccan health monitoring groups and unions are sounding the alarm over the "continuous regressions" in the local health sector of Ksar El Kebir. The local coordination committee for monitoring the health situation in the city expressed "concern and astonishment" following reports of approximately 14 medical, health, and nursing staff being transferred from the local hospital to the regional hospital in Larache. These transfers include specialists in chronic diseases and maternal and child health.

“

These transfers come at a time when the residents of Ksar El Kebir and surrounding communities are looking to enhance health services and bring treatment closer, especially for low-income groups, amid the shortage in the local health sector.

The committee emphasized that these personnel movements occur at a time when the residents of Ksar El Kebir and surrounding communities are hoping for an expansion of health services and easier access to treatment, particularly for low-income families. The local health sector is already facing shortages, and the committee fears the transfers will negatively affect the quality of services provided. Patients may be forced to travel to other health facilities, increasing their financial burden and straining the healthcare system.

“

The transfer of this number of health personnel could negatively affect the quality of services provided at the local hospital and increase the suffering of patients who may have to travel to other health institutions.

Similarly, the local office of the National Union of Public Health, affiliated with the Democratic Federation of Labor, voiced its "concern and condemnation" of the situation. The union highlighted that Ksar El Kebir already suffers from a lack of human resources and equipment. The situation has worsened with the denial of nutrition allowances to some staff, the complete transfer of the radiology department, and the relocation of several anesthesia and resuscitation nurses. These actions, the union argues, will deepen the existing deficit in the city's health facilities.

“

The city of Ksar El Kebir already suffers from a shortage of human resources and equipment, but the situation has become more complicated after a number of health personnel were deprived of nutrition allowances, the radiology department was transferred entirely from the local hospital, and a number of anesthesia and resuscitation nurses were transferred.

Both groups are urging the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to issue a clear statement explaining the reasons behind these transfers and their impact on local healthcare services. They are calling for urgent intervention to guarantee citizens' constitutional right to healthcare by providing sufficient medical, paramedical, and administrative personnel, as well as necessary equipment and medications. The local community hopes for the acceleration of repairs and upgrades to the local hospital to improve service quality and accessibility.

“

These unilateral decisions, without clear justifications or prior notice, will negatively impact the continuity of health services and exacerbate the shortage of human resources.