Moroccan doctors announce 3-day strike for higher salaries
Doctors employed at Moroccan public hospitals announced on November 18th that a three-day strike would start the next day to demand improved salaries and working conditions, according to Middle East Monitor and agencies.
The Independent Union of Public Sector Doctors say the strike will be the first phase of a protest campaign lasting three straight weeks, which will include protest sit-ins
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Moroccan PM Aziz Akhannouch said in April that the government had raised doctor’s salaries in its first year. “We approved a monthly increase of 3,800 dirhams ($380) for doctors with a state doctorate, addressing a demand they’ve had for two decades,” the PM told parliament.
Akhannouch also highlighted projects in the health sector, including the construction and upgrade of hospitals for various levels of care.
Morocco continues to face the issue of doctors emigrating, especially to hospitals in Europe. On November 8th, Moroccan medical students chose to resume studies after a boycott of 11-months to protest at lower training quality.
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The objected to the reduction of the length of their degree course from seven years to six, and many believe the measure was introduced to curb emigration following graduation, especially to countries in Europe.
Middle East Monitor, University World News
