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Rabat – Moroccan public sector doctors have announced a three-day nationwide strike, set to begin on November 12, in protest of what they describe as the government’s ongoing inaction regarding their pressing concerns.
The strike, led by the National Commission of Interns and Residents (CNIR), will see most medical services halt, except for emergency, intensive care, and on-call units, ensuring critical care remains available during the protest.
In a statement issued on November 10, the CNIR criticized the silence of government officials, asserting that this passivity reflects a broader disregard for the vital role public doctors play in Morocco’s healthcare system.
The union emphasized that their protest is part of a larger battle for what they consider “just” and “legitimate” demands.
“We call on the Ministry of Health and all responsible authorities to intervene immediately to resolve this crisis, which has been exacerbated by the persistent neglect of the ministries,” the statement read.
The doctors highlighted their determination to continue pushing for their rights in the face of what they deem as deliberate governmental indifference.
Among the primary grievances of the doctors are calls for salary increases, better working conditions, and the recognition of higher professional qualifications.
The CNIR also expressed frustration over the government’s failure to follow through on previous promises, including the implementation of a 2011 agreement that was supposed to offer additional pay grades for healthcare professionals.
The ongoing tensions are rooted in broader dissatisfaction with the government’s healthcare reforms.
The Independent Union of Public Sector Doctors, which represents doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, recently condemned the government’s proposed changes as ineffective, claiming they undermine healthcare professionals’ job security and rights.
The union pointed to key issues such as the removal of guaranteed public employee status and the exclusion of doctors from wage increases given to other sectors.
Moreover, the proposed 2025 finance law further aggravates the situation, with critics arguing that it shifts healthcare workers’ salary funding to regional health groups rather than maintaining a centralized, budget-funded system.
The strike comes on the heels of broader unrest in Morocco’s healthcare sector, which also includes a year-long boycott by medical students protesting the government’s decision to shorten medical training, citing concerns over the quality of education and the future of healthcare in the country.
