Moroccan Public Sector Doctors Announce Escalating Strikes Over Pay and Conditions
Moroccan public sector doctors are preparing for a series of escalating strikes throughout December 2024 and into January 2025, demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and government action on critical healthcare issues. The Independent Union of Public Sector Doctors (Syndicat Indépendant des Médecins du Secteur Public – SIMSP) announced the planned actions, citing the government’s failure to address their long-standing concerns.
The strikes will unfold in three phases:
Phase 1: A two-day national strike on Tuesday, December 17th, and Wednesday, December 18th. Emergency rooms and intensive care units will remain operational during this period. This initial action aims to signal the doctors’ seriousness and disrupt non-essential services.
Phase 2: A three-day national strike on Tuesday, December 24th, Wednesday, December 25th, and Thursday, December 26th. This extended strike will further increase pressure on the healthcare system and highlight the impact of the doctors’ absence.
Phase 3: A “Week of Rage” from December 30th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025. This week will include regional and provincial protests, a suspension of medical examinations at diagnostic centers (from December 30th to January 3rd), a refusal to issue medical certificates (except for sick leave), and strong participation in a national march in Rabat on Sunday, December 29th, protesting proposed laws on strikes and retirement.
Beyond the strikes, the SIMSP is implementing several ongoing actions, including:
Demanding adherence to scientific standards of medical practice and sterilization protocols in all health facilities and surgical centers, except in emergency cases. This underscores the doctors’ commitment to patient safety and quality care.
Boycotting the “Ozex” program and similar initiatives, as well as the school health campaign, due to the lack of basic medical and administrative standards. This highlights concerns about the effectiveness and safety of these programs.
Refusing to participate in “random” surgical campaigns that do not adhere to established medical standards and necessary safety conditions. This reflects the doctors’ commitment to ethical and safe medical practices.
- Boycotting medical caravans and all non-medical administrative tasks, including periodic reports, patient records, and statistics (except for mandatory disease notifications and declarations). This focuses the doctors’ efforts on direct patient care.
At the heart of the doctors’ demands are two key issues: a two-grade promotion above the current pay scale and a general salary increase. They argue that these improvements are essential to attract and retain qualified medical professionals in the public sector and ensure the quality of Morocco’s healthcare system. The SIMSP also calls for the government to respect its commitments and reconsider proposed laws and financial decisions that negatively impact the healthcare sector. They are urging a thorough diagnosis of the problems plaguing the healthcare system, based on reports from regional and provincial offices.
The doctors’ actions come at a time of increasing concern about the state of healthcare in Morocco. [Insert relevant statistics and data about healthcare spending, doctor-patient ratios, and access to care in Morocco. Cite reputable sources like the World Health Organization, World Bank, or Moroccan government agencies. Consider linking to relevant reports or articles.] These strikes could significantly impact access to healthcare services for many Moroccans, adding urgency to the need for a resolution. The SIMSP has empowered its national office to manage the next phase of the campaign, signaling their determination to continue their fight until their demands are met. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of healthcare in Morocco.
