Renewed tensions in Morocco’s public health sector: Nationwide strikes and escalating protests

In response to what they describe as government inaction, the national health coordination has announced a nationwide strike set to take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This strike will affect all healthcare institutions except for emergency and intensive care units.

A central protest will also be held in front of the Ministry of Health’s headquarters in Rabat. Union leaders explain that this move follows six months of waiting since the signing of an agreement with the government on July 23, 2024. Despite the change in leadership at the Ministry of Health, they claim no significant steps have been taken to address unresolved issues.

The Independent Union of Public Sector Doctors has also revealed an escalating protest plan lasting three weeks. This plan includes several nationwide strikes, scheduled for January 21–22 and January 28–30. Additionally, a “week of anger” will take place from February 3 to 9, during which medical consultations will be suspended, and protests will be staged.

Union leaders have expressed frustration at the perceived lack of engagement from the ministry and the government. Kareem Belmoqaddem, Secretary-General of the National Health Union, noted that unions had taken steps to urge the new minister to implement the agreement signed with his predecessor.

However, he criticized what he called “unexplained delays” in addressing their demands. He stated that while the January 15 strike is symbolic and intended as a gesture of goodwill, it signals the beginning of a broader campaign if the government continues to ignore their concerns.

Ahmed El Hakouni, Secretary-General of the National Health Federation, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that unions had requested meetings with officials to discuss the situation but received no response. He described the government’s silence as a key factor behind the current crisis and emphasized that the responsibility lies not only with the health minister but also with the Prime Minister’s office, which signed the original agreement.

The unions’ demands include the immediate implementation of the July 2024 agreement, tangible improvements in working conditions for healthcare professionals, and the restructuring of the health sector to better meet national priorities and societal needs.

As tensions rise, observers warn that continued escalation could have serious implications for healthcare services in Morocco, potentially disrupting care for citizens. The unions are calling on the government to open serious and immediate dialogue to address their grievances and avoid further deepening the crisis. This standoff highlights the critical need for effective and timely interventions to restore stability in a sector essential to the well-being of the population.