Medical Students Call for Immediate Action from Health Ministry

Wednesday 23 April 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Medical Students Call for Immediate Action from Health Ministry

The National Committee of Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Students has issued a strong open letter to Health Minister Amine Tahraoui, demanding urgent reforms and accountability for unmet commitments outlined in a settlement agreement signed last November. This correspondence highlights escalating frustrations among students, who accuse the ministry of neglecting their concerns and reverting to a dismissive attitude that previously resulted in significant disruptions within medical and pharmacy faculties.

The letter, released on Monday, underscores what student representatives describe as a “policy of deaf ears.” They express disappointment at the lack of progress and communication regarding the settlement agreement, which was intended to address vital issues such as financial compensation for student work during clinical rotations. Currently, students receive a stipend of only MAD 21 per day, a figure deemed insufficient to cover basic living expenses. Although the ministry had indicated plans to revise this allowance, students report that no action has been taken.

In their letter, the committee questions the rationale behind the delays, asking, “Do you truly intend to implement what was agreed upon?” They emphasize that the promised increases remain unfulfilled.

The students also referenced a meeting in October 2024 between the health minister and the Minister of Higher Education, Azeddine Midaoui, where officials expressed a commitment to meaningful engagement with students. However, the committee argues that these assurances have yet to materialize into actual reforms, warning that continued inaction could lead to renewed unrest on campuses.

The atmosphere within medical, pharmacy, and dental faculties has become increasingly tense, prompting the committee to hold the Ministry fully accountable for the situation. They concluded their letter by insisting on a “serious, urgent, and responsible” response to avert potential escalations that could disrupt the academic environment.

In recent years, Moroccan medical, dental, and pharmacy students have frequently clashed with government authorities over educational reforms and compensation issues. The culmination of these disputes led to an unprecedented 11-month boycott during the 2022–2023 academic year, following which the November agreement was reached. This settlement addressed key demands, including increased stipends, reinstatement of student unions, and the reversal of disciplinary actions against protesting students.

The current situation serves as a critical test of the government’s dedication to educational reform and student welfare. Failure to adequately address the committee's concerns could reignite tensions, resulting in large-scale protests that would disrupt clinical training and hinder the academic progress of many students.