Tahrani Announces Strict Measures to Protect Healthcare Workers and Improve Working Conditions in Hospitals
Amid increasing complaints from citizens about the deterioration of the healthcare system in Morocco, Aziz Tahrani, Minister of Health and Social Protection, has issued a new directive addressing various sector officials to take urgent measures ensuring the protection of health professionals and improving their working conditions.
The minister emphasized that providing a safe working environment for healthcare workers is a fundamental condition for enhancing the quality of services. He highlighted the necessity of protecting healthcare staff from occupational hazards and work-related diseases, safeguarding their dignity, creating rest spaces specifically for duty personnel, and improving the catering services available to them.
Tahrani asserted in the same directive that verbal and physical violence against healthcare professionals is no longer acceptable, considering any assault on them a direct threat to the healthcare facility and an obstruction to its mission. In this context, he called for a firm stance against all forms of aggression through judicial processes, ensuring no waivers are allowed, in order to preserve the integrity of public institutions.
To secure the surroundings of healthcare facilities, the minister recommended strengthening oversight by providing private security personnel for immediate intervention in emergencies and expanding the use of surveillance cameras while respecting laws related to personal data protection. He also mandated improvements in reception and guidance services, as they are the first point of contact that shapes the sector’s image among the public.
The directive underscored the importance of ongoing coordination with security authorities to address cases of threats or assaults, requiring detailed reports on such incidents to be submitted through official administrative channels to the Directorate of Organization and Disputes, along with all supporting documents for legal actions.
Additionally, the ministry affirmed its commitment to providing legal and psychological support to professionals who are victims of assaults, whether they are in the role of prosecution or defense, by offering legal assistance, ensuring their treatment within ministry facilities, and expediting the disbursement of due compensations, especially those related to duty shifts.
With these guidelines, the Minister of Health and Social Protection aims to restore respect for professionals in the sector and shield them from risks threatening their performance, at a time when debates about the conditions of the healthcare system and citizens’ expectations are intensifying.
