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Rabat – Morocco’s resident and intern doctors, pharmacists, and dentists will continue their national strike on Wednesday and Thursday, November 20 and 21, 2024, while maintaining essential services in emergency, intensive care, and critical care units.
The strike stems from growing frustration with the Ministry of Health’s persistent delays and obstruction in addressing the legitimate demands of Morocco’s healthcare professionals.
The National Commission of Interns and Residents (CNIR) has denounced the ministry’s dismissive and irresponsible approach, describing it as a stain on officials’ reputations and a blatant disregard for the needs of doctors, pharmacists, and dentists.
Hoping for a change in strategy, the CNIR formally requested a meeting with the new Minister of Health on October 9, 2024, to initiate constructive dialogue. However, the ministry’s vague and indirect responses have reflected its continued avoidance of meaningful engagement.
Despite enduring difficult working conditions, healthcare professionals have remained committed to serving Moroccan citizens. Yet, the ministry’s ongoing refusal to engage in dialogue has deepened their marginalization and exacerbated the crisis in the public health sector.
Escalation steps announced
In response to the ongoing deadlock, the national committee has announced the following measures:
– A strong condemnation of the irresponsible delays and obstruction by both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education.
-The organization of general assemblies in university hospitals nationwide to discuss the latest developments and outline further steps.
– A national protest, with the date to be announced following the assemblies.
-A continuation of the national strike on Wednesday and Thursday, November 20 and 21, while exempting emergency, intensive care, and critical care units to ensure essential services for patients.
The committee has called on experienced professionals and academics to urgently intervene to resolve the crisis and alleviate tensions that harm the sector as a whole.
It also firmly rejected any attempts to exploit the current situation to impose measures that undermine professional ethics or legitimate union action.
Warning of accountability
The committee has held the government and the responsible ministries fully accountable for the consequences of their delays, describing them as a flagrant violation of the rights of resident and intern doctors, pharmacists, and dentists.
It declared that the patience of healthcare professionals has worn thin and reaffirmed that their dignity is non-negotiable.
Finally, the committee urged all colleagues to unite and mobilize to ensure the success of the announced measures, defending their rights, dignity, and the vision of a public healthcare system worthy of Moroccan citizens.
“What cannot be achieved through struggle requires more struggle,” the committee’s statement read.
Read Also: Moroccan Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands
