Larache Private Clinic Temporarily Closed After Emergency Care Controversy

Yesterday 23:35

A private clinic in Larache has been temporarily shut down by Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection following an investigation into the handling of a medical emergency involving a 14-month-old child.

The administrative measure was issued after an inspection commission identified several shortcomings at the facility and gave it a period to address the problems. According to the findings reported by Moroccan media, the requested corrective measures, including work related to the clinic’s infrastructure and essential medical equipment, were not implemented within the allotted timeframe.

Investigation follows critical condition of infant

The case dates back to July, when a baby suffering from a high fever and reportedly close to losing consciousness was taken by the family to private healthcare facilities in Larache.

The inspection report found deficiencies in the way the emergency was managed by two clinics examined as part of the investigation. The establishments reportedly declined to admit the child, citing the unavailability of a pediatrician.

The child's mother also alleged that the facilities would not allow the doctor who had been treating her baby to speak by telephone with the physician on duty. The circumstances prompted the family to seek care elsewhere as the child's condition remained critical.

Public hospital eventually provided treatment

The child was ultimately admitted to Lalla Meriem Public Hospital in Larache, where medical staff provided the necessary treatment.

Following the incident, the mother filed a complaint with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection as well as the General Secretariat of the Government. She called for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be investigated, responsibilities to be established and safeguards introduced to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

The ministry's investigation subsequently focused on the practices and conditions observed at the two private clinics involved in the case.

One clinic closed, another remains open

While both facilities were reportedly cited for shortcomings in their management of the emergency, only one has been subjected to a temporary closure.

The decision reflects the distinction made by the inspection authorities between the findings recorded at the establishments and the corrective action ultimately taken. The closed clinic had been given an opportunity to remedy identified deficiencies but failed to implement the required measures, according to the reported findings.

The case has brought renewed attention to the responsibilities of private healthcare providers when confronted with patients requiring urgent medical attention, particularly when dealing with vulnerable children.