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Rabat- Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas announced earlier today a major development for Morocco’s healthcare sector, confirming the Moroccan government’s pledge to raise the wages of health sector workers by MAD 1000.
Speaking at a press briefing following today’s Council of Government session, Baitas stressed the government’s commitment to address the lingering issues facing Morocco’s health sector. In addition to the pay raise announcement, the government spokesperson notably said that Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb will soon meet with professional unions following recent public unrest.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to healthcare reform, stressing: “Today’s Council of Government session focused extensively on healthcare reform, culminating in the approval of five decrees.”
Among these decrees were measures aimed at enhancing healthcare services and addressing pertinent sectoral challenges, Baitas detailed, adding that another crucial outcome of today’s session was the approval of two decrees authorizing substantial wage increases.
“These decrees mark a significant step forward in fulfilling commitments made under the central social dialogue,” Baytas emphasized.
The approved increase amounts to MAD 1000 per month, benefiting nurses at the Ministry of Health and joint health technicians across ministries.
The raise will be implemented in two phases, with the first installment starting in July 2024 and the second phase being a net increase of MAD 500 per month starting in July 2025.
Read Also: Morocco Announces 50% Salary Boost for 1.1 Million Public Sector Workers
Baitas also reaffirmed the government’s broader reforms in the healthcare domain which include the establishment of territorial health groups and regulatory frameworks for companies overseeing blood products and pharmaceuticals.
He indicated that further discussions with unions are scheduled soon, signaling ongoing dialogue and collaboration in addressing sectoral concerns.
“The approval of territorial health groups (GST) is linked to governance and restructuring,” emphasizing their strategic role, Baitas said.
“The second pillar of reform is human resources,” he reiterated, noting previous salary increases for doctors and newly sanctioned raises for nurses and health technicians.
As for the third pillar of the reform, Baitas said it consists of “the launch of proximity hospital reform through government efforts to improve citizen access to primary healthcare.”
Meanwhile, he outlined the fourth pillar centering around digitalization, stating: “Digitalization will facilitate appointment scheduling and treatment pathways.”
The approval of these decrees marks an important momentum for the Moroccan health sector.
Today’s Council of Government session came just a day after medical professionals staged a demonstration, marching from Bab El Had in Rabat towards the parliament to voice their dissatisfaction with what they termed as the government’s failure to fulfill a previously signed agreement.
The National Coordination of the health sector has issued a comprehensive strike schedule impacting healthcare institutions across the country. The strike will continue on Thursday and Friday and is planned to last for five days from July 15 to 19.
The Coordination’s demands focus on the complete implementation of the signed agreement, covering financial, legal, and ethical dimensions.
They are also advocating for the release of all detained health professionals and an end to any legal consequences they may face.
