Resident doctors launch three-day strike to protest disregard of demands

Resident doctors in Morocco have announced a three-day strike, starting Tuesday, October 15th, to protest what they describe as the government’s “neglect” of their demands. 

The National Committee of Resident Doctors issued a statement, obtained by Hespress, saying that emergency, intensive care, and custodial services will be exempt from the strike, which will also include local protests outside university hospitals on Monday. 

The committee denounced the government’s “continuous procrastination and clear irresponsibility” in addressing their demands, saying that this has led to a deterioration in the quality of healthcare provided to citizens.

Despite several correspondences and meetings with officials, the Ministry of Health has failed to provide concrete solutions to the ongoing crisis, the committee added. 

Resident doctors, who are “performing their professional and humanitarian duties under difficult and inadequate conditions,” expressed deep frustration with the ministry’s inaction. 

The committee urged the responsible authorities to take immediate action to meet their demands, ensuring the continuity of health services and protecting the rights of resident doctors. 

Moroccan medical students have been engaged in ongoing protests since late 2023, expressing their discontent with the government’s policies regarding medical education and training.

One of the primary grievances is the government’s decision to shorten medical studies from seven to six years. 

Students say that this reduction compromises the quality of education and their preparedness for medical practice. 

The students are also concerned about a perceived lack of sufficient clinical experience, which they believe is essential for becoming competent doctors. 

Many medical schools in Morocco face challenges such as outdated equipment, overcrowded classrooms, and limited resources, which negatively impact the learning environment. 

The students lament that graduates often struggle to secure stable employment in the public healthcare sector, leading to frustration and uncertainty about their future careers.

The protests have taken various forms, including demonstrations, sit-ins, and social media campaigns. Students have expressed their demands through slogans, petitions, and open letters to government officials. 

In response to the protests, the government has made some concessions, but the students maintain that their demands have not been fully addressed.