Ongoing Crises Prompt Resident Doctors to Plan Another Strike

Rabat – The National Commission of Interns and Residents (CNIR) has condemned the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education for their blatant indifference to the ongoing crises affecting resident doctors, who continue to face persistent refusal from relevant ministries to address their fair and legitimate demands.

In response to the situation, the committee announced an escalation of its protest efforts, scheduling a comprehensive strike on November 5 and 7. However, they will exempt emergency, intensive care, and on-call services to ensure that essential care remains available for the public.

The committee noted that all attempts to foster responsible and effective dialogue have been exhausted, pointing out that despite formally contacting the newly appointed minister on October 28, they have yet to receive a response. This silence reflects “the ministry’s disregard for the critical role resident doctors play in the healthcare system,” the committee fumed.

A representative shared the dire financial situation during a press conference, stating: “Our wages average only MAD 3,500 a month, which equates to about MAD 5 per hour. Some of us lack health coverage under AMO.”

The committee criticized the ministry’s “stubborn” stance, which has only intensified: “blatantly ignoring the fundamental rights of sector workers” and downplaying the significant burdens shouldered by resident doctors, pharmacists, and dental doctors in maintaining healthcare services.

They warned that continued inaction “poses a significant risk to the future of the healthcare system,” potentially leading to a decline in working conditions and service quality.

“We hold the government and the responsible ministries fully accountable for the grave consequences of this intentional neglect,” the committee maintained.

They concluded, “We will not back down on our just demands and will continue to oppose the marginalization and exclusion that has persisted for far too long. We will utilize all constitutionally and legally sanctioned means to secure our rights.”