Agadir 24 | Agadir24
Health unions called for an urgent meeting to be scheduled with the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, before the end of this week, so that they are not forced to draw up a new struggle programme.
In an open letter sent by the union coordination to the newly appointed minister at the head of the sector, the urgent meeting that was called aims to discuss the “regressions” contained in the draft finance law regarding the centralization of wages and the status of the public employee.
The coordination, which includes six health unions, stressed that the provisions contained in the draft financial law for the year 2025 contradict the content of the health sector agreement signed between the government and the union coordination on July 23, 2024, especially the two basic points related to the centralization of wages in permanent financial positions, and maintaining the status of a public employee with each. Benefits and guarantees of the general statute of public employment.
In this context, the coordination criticized “the absence of any positive interaction of the ministry with its correspondence regarding a very urgent issue that concerns the future of the working people,” noting that “the general secretary of the ministry contacted the unions last October 30 informing them that conditions were being prepared for a meeting between the minister and the unions, but the rapid speed with which The draft finance law is discussed, and the deadlines set for amendment and approval require the meeting to be expedited.”
The coordination explained that “these deadlines do not leave enough time to wait and wait, as it may be too late without amending and changing the unclear requirements in the draft law, which would add fuel to the atmosphere of tension that has begun to increase in the health sector.”
The union coordination indicated that “the health worker is closely monitoring what happened after the government amendment, with a number of new ministers opening or resuming dialogue, and meeting the demands of some sectors of the public service, while the health worker is waiting for the implementation of the July 23, 2024 agreement with all its points.”
The letter addressed to Minister Tahraoui concluded that “the situation in the health sector does not allow for further waiting,” stressing “the necessity of urgent intervention and working to correct the situation and restore confidence among the working people to ensure the success of health sector reform projects and to value human resources and reassure them of their future.”
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**Interview with Dr. Samira El Hariri, Health Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El Hariri. Recent reports suggest that health unions in Morocco are calling for an urgent meeting with the Minister of Health to discuss concerns regarding the 2025 Finance Bill. Can you elaborate on the unions’ main grievances?
**Dr. El Hariri:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the health unions have expressed significant concerns about the draft finance law for 2025, particularly regarding the centralization of wages and the status of public employees in the health sector. They believe these provisions contradict the health sector agreement signed in July 2024, which aimed to protect workers’ rights and maintain essential benefits.
**Interviewer:** What implications do you think this could have on the healthcare system in Morocco if these issues are not addressed?
**Dr. El Hariri:** If the unions’ concerns are not addressed promptly, we could see a deterioration in staff morale and potentially an impact on the quality of care provided to patients. Health workers are essential for a functioning healthcare system, and if they feel their rights are being compromised, it could lead to strikes or protests, disrupting healthcare services.
**Interviewer:** Given the context of Morocco’s 2025 Finance Bill, which also aims to promote economic resilience, how can the government balance financial constraints with the needs of the healthcare system?
**Dr. El Hariri:** It’s essential for the government to recognize that investing in healthcare is not just a cost—it’s an investment in the nation’s future. By ensuring health workers are fairly compensated and their status is protected, the government can foster a more resilient and effective healthcare system. This, in turn, supports overall economic stability, as a healthy population contributes to a productive workforce.
**Interviewer:** What message do you believe the unions are trying to communicate to the government through their call for a meeting?
**Dr. El Hariri:** The unions are signaling that they are prepared to take a stand for their rights and the well-being of the healthcare system. They want to engage in dialogue and find a solution that acknowledges their contributions while aligning with the government’s economic goals. It’s a call for collaboration, not confrontation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. El Hariri, for sharing your insights. We hope the upcoming meeting leads to a constructive outcome for the healthcare sector in Morocco.
**Dr. El Hariri:** Thank you! I hope for a positive resolution as well.
