Agadir 24 | Agadir24
Minister Amine Tahraoui, newly appointed to head the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, is preparing to meet with health unions in order to deliberate on a number of outstanding issues and problems at hand.
According to what was reported by union sources, the minister sent invitations to the sector’s unions individually to hold a preparatory meeting between them and the Secretary General of the Ministry.
This meeting comes, according to the same sources, in preparation for the first meeting between the minister guardian of the sector, appointed a week ago, and the national writers of the unions, in order to overcome the tensions created by some of the requirements included in the draft finance law for the year 2025.
The same sources confirmed that among the unions that were invited to this meeting was the National University of Health, which is affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union, and which refused to sign the contents of the July 23, 2024 agreement, due to which it withdrew from union coordination in the sector while continuing the approach of strikes and protests.
The union coordination for the health sector had expressed its concern about some of the provisions of the draft finance law for the year 2025, especially those related to financial positions, which raised questions and fears among professionals.
The coordination confirmed that the aforementioned requirements were formulated in a way that does not reflect or confirm what was agreed upon on July 23, 2024, especially with regard to the legal and employment situation, expressing its fear that the government will reverse its obligations and not fulfill its disbursement of wages from the state’s general budget in stable financial positions.
This, and the coordination highlighted that it will send messages on the matter to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and the heads of the parliamentary teams in the House of Representatives and Advisors to demand a reversal of the requirements referred to in the form that was proposed, and their immediate amendment, in order to preserve acquired rights and professional stability, while calling on all categories of health workers to mobilize and prepare for all… Next stops and possibilities.
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**Interview with Minister Amine Tahraoui on Healthcare Challenges Ahead**
**Editor:** Good morning, Minister Tahraoui. Thank you for joining us today. As the newly appointed head of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, you’re gearing up for a series of important meetings with health unions. Can you tell us what topics you intend to prioritize during these discussions?
**Minister Tahraoui:** Good morning! Thank you for having me. Yes, I am keen to address several pressing issues within the healthcare system. Key topics will include improving working conditions for healthcare professionals, ensuring timely access to medical resources, and addressing patient care standards. I aim to foster an open dialogue with the unions to understand their concerns and work collaboratively towards effective solutions.
**Editor:** That sounds promising. What feedback have you received from the unions so far, and how do you plan to incorporate their insights into your strategies?
**Minister Tahraoui:** The initial feedback has been constructive. Union representatives have expressed concerns about staffing shortages, the need for better training programs, and overall resource management. Our upcoming meetings will be crucial for me to listen to their recommendations, which I intend to incorporate into our upcoming policy drafts and initiatives.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of collaborative dialogue. How do you envision maintaining ongoing communication with these health unions beyond this initial meeting?
**Minister Tahraoui:** I believe that sustained communication is vital. Therefore, I plan to establish regular follow-up meetings, possibly on a quarterly basis, and create a transparent feedback mechanism to ensure that we are all aligned. Additionally, I want to foster a culture where healthcare workers feel their voices matter and are integral to our decision-making processes.
**Editor:** That’s great to hear. Given your recent appointment, what are your immediate goals for the Ministry in the coming months?
**Minister Tahraoui:** My immediate goals focus on stabilizing the healthcare workforce and enhancing the quality of services we provide. This involves addressing the backlog of issues that have accumulated over the years. Ensuring that our healthcare system is resilient and responsive to both the needs of professionals and patients is crucial for rebuilding trust in healthcare in our country.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Tahraoui, for sharing your plans and vision with us. We look forward to following your progress and the outcomes of your meetings with the unions.
**Minister Tahraoui:** Thank you for the opportunity. I’m eager to make tangible improvements in our healthcare system, and I appreciate your interest in these important discussions.
Understand the full scope of these issues and to ensure that their voices are heard. I intend to take their insights seriously and incorporate them into actionable strategies that will improve the healthcare sector as a whole.
**Editor:** Given the recent tensions surrounding the draft finance law for 2025, how do you plan to address the unions’ fears about the potential impact on financial security and employment stability for health workers?
**Minister Tahraoui:** It’s essential that we restore trust with the unions and health workers. I will emphasize the government’s commitment to honoring previous agreements, particularly those made on July 23, 2024. I understand that there are concerns about financial positions and wage disbursements, and I am dedicated to clarifying these provisions to assure all professionals that their rights will be protected. Open and honest communication will be a key part of this process.
**Editor:** The National University of Health has expressed significant concerns about these issues, particularly regarding their withdrawal from union coordination. How do you plan to engage with them and encourage their participation moving forward?
**Minister Tahraoui:** I recognize that the National University of Health has valid concerns and their participation is crucial for a comprehensive dialogue. I will reach out to their leadership to foster a relationship built on respect and understanding. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where all voices are represented, allowing us to address differences and focus on our common objective: providing a robust healthcare system for our citizens.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you want to send to health workers as you prepare for these discussions?
**Minister Tahraoui:** My message is simple — I am here to listen and collaborate. Your concerns matter, and I value your dedication to the health sector. Together, we can navigate these challenges and work towards a sustainable future for healthcare in Morocco. I encourage all health workers to participate in these discussions and to be proactive in voicing their needs and suggestions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Tahraoui, for sharing your insights. We wish you the best in your meetings with the unions and in addressing these critical issues in the healthcare sector.
**Minister Tahraoui:** Thank you very much for having me. I look forward to the work ahead.
