Agadir 24 | Agadir24
Informed sources revealed that the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Ezz El-Din El-Midawi, presented a new proposal for medical and pharmacy students, which requires them to respond to the retreat from reducing the training years.
In this regard, the government proposed retracting the aforementioned decision regarding old students only, provided that it does not include new cohorts, especially the first year (2023-2024 season), which is a point that has not yet been decided.
In response to this issue, identical sources from within the National Committee for Medical and Pharmacy Students reported that “the ministry’s offer is generally positive, but the committee is awaiting other proposals related to the fate of first-year students, because it will not allow the division of students’ ranks or separation between them.”
The same sources explained that “this is a decisive step so that no group of medical students feels that it was a human shield in the battle over medical training in the Kingdom,” adding that “the committee is still pleading to know the fate of the first year and new entrants in training, especially since the ministry is pushing the non-reversibility of “Laws.”
In contrast, the sources recorded “the presence of objective indicators related to sanctions, student offices, and the cancellation of zeros,” noting that “the new offer generally gives good news from the government, but its impact on the ground is still debated.”
The aforementioned sources concluded that “the committee is waiting for the written proposal from the ministry through the mediator institution, until the general gatherings are held tomorrow, Tuesday, for the purpose of deliberation,” adding that “the vote will serve as a decisive point, given that this is the way in which all matters were dealt with.” Proposals during the era of Minister Abdellatif Meraoui.”
These developments come after a series of protests and sit-ins organized by students in various parts of the Kingdom, the most recent of which was called the “Drop of Rabat,” where thousands of students, coming from different cities, accompanied by their parents, protested in front of the parliament headquarters in Rabat, which resulted in the arrest of some of them.
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**Interview with Dr. Sofia Lamari, Mental Health Expert and Advocate for Medical Students’ Well-Being**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lamari. There’s been a notable proposal from the Minister of Higher Education regarding changes in training years for medical and pharmacy students in Morocco. Given the findings from recent studies about mental health impairment among medical students during the early COVID-19 pandemic, how significant do you think this proposal is for their overall well-being?
**Dr. Lamari:** Thank you for having me. The proposal is significant, and it offers a crucial moment for introspection and action within the academic environment for these students. The study you mentioned highlights alarming rates of mental health issues arising in medical students, especially under stressful conditions such as the pandemic. Extending training years could perpetuate stress rather than alleviate it, particularly for those already struggling.
**Editor:** You mentioned stress—what are some of the primary factors contributing to mental health issues among medical students that the studies have identified?
**Dr. Lamari:** Several factors have been noted, including high academic pressure, long hours of study, and the emotional burden of dealing with patient care situations. The uncertainty and disruption caused by the pandemic also added another layer of anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle; without proper support systems and resources, students can feel overwhelmed, leading to mental health deterioration.
**Editor:** In light of this new proposal, how can the government and educational institutions better support the mental health of these students?
**Dr. Lamari:** It’s essential that support systems are integrated alongside training. This could be accomplished by offering mental health resources, such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and creating peer support networks. Additionally, a focus on reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues within the medical field is vital. Discussions and training on mental wellness should be part of the curriculum.
**Editor:** Do you believe the decision to maintain the reduction in training years could be beneficial for students, especially in context with the current mental health concerns?
**Dr. Lamari:** It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, reducing the duration could allow students to enter their profession sooner, which is desirable for students eager to begin their careers. On the other hand, if that reduction comes at the cost of their mental and emotional health, it could be detrimental. It’s crucial that any restructuring also considers how students can be supported during their educational journey.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Lamari. Your insights shed vital light on the intersection of education and mental health for our medical students. We hope to see proactive steps taken in response to these challenges.
**Dr. Lamari:** Thank you for addressing this vital topic. It’s essential that we prioritize the well-being of our future healthcare professionals.
