Refusal to Treat Infant Sparks Outrage, Ministry to Investigate Moroccan Clinics

A distressing incident in Larache, Morocco, has ignited widespread criticism of private clinics in smaller cities, after two facilities refused to admit a critically ill infant. The child's parents were turned away late Friday night/early Saturday morning, allegedly because a specialist doctor was unavailable. This refusal stands in stark contrast to the professional ethics and regulations that oblige such clinics to provide initial emergency care.

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In the beginning, I went to Al-Larache Clinic and then to Lexos Clinic, where I was informed at both institutions that the on-call doctor could not examine a young child in the absence of a pediatrician.

The incident has caused a significant stir within the health sector, with many voices condemning the recurring practices observed in smaller towns. In response, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is preparing to dispatch an inspection committee to investigate the reasons behind the refusal. The committee will assess the clinics' operations and their treatment of patients, with a detailed report expected to follow.

Sources indicate that the actions of the two clinics will not be overlooked, and disciplinary measures are anticipated. The ministry is determined to take punitive actions to halt these "unethical practices." The infant's family, who were visiting Larache from Rabat, experienced extreme fear as their 14-month-old child suffered from a high fever and near-total loss of consciousness. After being denied entry by the private clinics, they sought help at the Lalla Meryem Public Hospital, where the child received professional and prompt medical attention, ultimately overcoming the health crisis.

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I explained to them that the pediatrician following my son's case was in phone contact with me and had even expressed his readiness to communicate directly with the on-call doctor to explain the medical situation and provide the necessary guidance, especially since it was an emergency case requiring immediate intervention. However, this request was met with refusal, and they refrained from providing any medical care to my son.

The infant's mother has filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Government's General Secretariat. She detailed how both clinics cited the absence of a pediatrician as the reason for their refusal, even after she explained that the child's regular pediatrician was available by phone and willing to consult with the on-call doctor. The mother emphasized the urgency of the situation and the immediate need for intervention. She praised the emergency doctor at the public hospital for their professionalism and swift action in stabilizing her child.

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This contributed, by the grace of God, to my son overcoming this health crisis.