Legal Victory for Morocco’s Medical Students, but Struggle Far From Over

Rabat – The National Committee of Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Students (CNEMEP) has once again raised concern over the “troubling” situation facing the 2023 cohort.

In a statement posted yesterday on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, the CNEMEP described these students as being caught in a state of haze due to the “hybrid” system that merges the old and new curricula.

The statement went on to outline the “serious issues” affecting these students, pointing out that the 2023 class finds itself “stuck between two systems.”

This means Morocco’s 2023 cohort of medical students is under great stress as they will have to fulfill a seven-year program in six years, the statement deplored.

The lack of clear guidance about their academic path and the absence of detailed course descriptions only add to their stress.

As a result, the committee is now calling for a meeting with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education to establish a clearer framework for the students’ educational pathway.

Pharmacy program challenges

The CNEMEP’s statement also sheds light on the serious issues that have arisen within the pharmacy sector, especially at the Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy in Oujda and Fez.

In Oujda, second-year pharmacy students suffer under the crushing “pedagogical confusion” and “unjustified delays.” According to the statement, the current curriculum fails to meet the attested educational standards for the sector.

In Fez, meanwhile, fifth-year pharmacy students face a more serious issue. According to the committee, their clinical internship “had been nullified without anything being officially pointed out or reasonable justification.”

The national committee calls for urgent action to resolve these issues, along with other outstanding concerns, while reiterating its irrevocable commitment to “participatory dialogue” and “rebuilding ongoing communication” with the relevant authorities.

Delays in financial support

The statement also addresses the ongoing financial problems many students face, such as delayed scholarship and allowance pay.

Added to this are delays and failures to observe agreed timelines, which make life even more difficult for many students.

A notable segment of the committee’s statement addressed students’ reaffirmation of their complete support and sympathy with the Palestinian people. They stated that the Palestinian cause “remains deeply ingrained” in their ideals.

Furthermore, they reject any attempts to normalize academic relations with Israel, stating that “no war criminal should be allowed to enter our universities, regardless of any justification.”