Agadir hospital closure triggers labor concerns as talks begin

The planned closure of Hassan II Regional Hospital is raising professional and social concerns among healthcare workers, as unions push for the right of staff to choose their new postings.

A meeting was held at the regional headquarters of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in the Souss-Massa region to discuss the redistribution of hospital staff, in an effort to mitigate the impact of the decision and find a balanced solution for affected employees, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The meeting was chaired by Adel Znbir Bache, director of human resources at the ministry, and attended by a ministerial delegation including central and regional officials. It followed a formal invitation extended to health unions to address the repercussions of the hospital’s closure, which has sparked widespread concern among workers over its professional, social and family implications.

During the discussions, union representatives reiterated their demand that all affected staff be granted the option to choose their temporary workplace assignments. They argued that any solution must prioritize employees’ family and social stability and take into account the constraints resulting from reassignment decisions made without sufficient consultation.

Participants also emphasized that healthcare workers have continued to carry out their duties with a strong sense of responsibility despite challenging conditions, contributing to ongoing health sector reforms and ensuring continuity of public health services.

While welcoming the opening of dialogue with authorities, union representatives stressed that a successful outcome will depend on adopting a genuinely participatory approach that considers not only technical aspects but also the human and social dimensions of the issue.

Rachid Amazouz, regional secretary of the National Health Union (FDT) in Souss-Massa, said defending the rights of hospital staff remains a consistent commitment. He added that the negotiating delegation presented clear and practical proposals reflecting workers’ needs for fair solutions that preserve both professional and social balance.

According to Amazouz, the meeting yielded initial positive signals, with further details expected in an upcoming statement, as attention turns to future rounds of dialogue and the ability of stakeholders to reach a solution that safeguards workers’ rights while ensuring the continuity of healthcare services.