Moroccan Health Workers Launch Five-Day Strike Amid Government Inaction

Tuesday 23 July 2024 - 07:33

Healthcare professionals intensify efforts, holding the government accountable for the sector's decline.

In a significant move, the National Coordination of Health Sector Unions has announced a nationwide strike starting today and extending through Friday. This action includes a pivotal sit-in scheduled outside the parliament in Rabat on Thursday.

The strike will affect all Moroccan healthcare facilities, with the exception of emergency and intensive care services. The unions have described the strike as a reaction to the government's "delayed response" following extensive consultations.

Last week's crucial meeting with Health Minister Khaled Ait Taleb was intended to update the union on the proposed measures addressing health workers' demands. Despite these discussions, the unions have expressed frustration over the lack of tangible progress.

In an official statement, the union emphasized their commitment to the proposed measures, which encompass both legal and financial reforms. They highlighted that a formal request was sent to the Head of the Government nearly a week after the coordination formulated their responses, urging expedited action.

However, the unions have been met with what they describe as an "incomprehensible silence" from the government chief. As a result, they have decided to proceed with the planned strike. They have also made it clear that they hold Aziz Akhannouch accountable for any adverse effects stemming from this strike, particularly concerning the impact on healthcare services for citizens.

The tension has been building since July 10, when healthcare professionals staged a large-scale protest. Participants marched from Bab El Had in Rabat to the parliament, voicing their dissatisfaction with the government's failure to honor a previously signed agreement.

The protest was met with considerable force from security personnel, who deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd. Videos of the incident have circulated widely on social media, igniting widespread outrage among Moroccans.

The national coordination has condemned the use of force against demonstrators, who they assert were protesting in a "calm, peaceful, and civilized manner." They reported various injuries and arrests as a result of the crackdown and reiterated their demand for the full implementation of the signed agreement.