Latest news with #andPharmacyStudents
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Medical Students Demand Urgent Action from Health Ministry
Rabat – The National Committee of Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Students has issued a strongly worded open letter to the Minister of Health, Amine Tahraoui, urging immediate action on long-delayed reforms and accusing the ministry of failing to uphold its commitments under a settlement agreement signed in November of last year. The letter, released Monday, expresses mounting frustration over what the student representatives describe as a 'policy of deaf ears' and a return to the same dismissive approach that has previously led to nearly a year-long halt of medical and pharmacy faculties. 'Despite choosing the path of responsible dialogue and waiting in good faith for the agreed commitments to be honored, we have seen no tangible progress or even an open line of communication,' the Committee wrote. The committee places the government's failure to implement key terms of the settlement agreement at the heart of the dispute, including the not paying the promised higher compensation for student work during clinical rotations. The current stipend stands at just MAD 21 per day — an amount the Committee says fails to meet even the most basic student living costs. Though the Ministry previously stated that a decree to update the allowance was in progress, students say there has been no sign of implementation to date. 'We ask you today: What is the justification for this delay? Do you truly intend to implement what was agreed upon?' the letter reads. 'The promised increase remains ink on paper.' The letter also recalled a meeting that took place in October 2024, and that was attended by both the health minister and Minister of Higher Education, Azeddine Midaoui, during which officials expressed a 'sincere intention' to engage students in meaningful reforms and address long-standing issues that have plagued medical education. Yet, students argue that these commitments have not translated into action, and warn that continued delays could inflame tensions on campuses. 'The atmosphere in medical, pharmacy, and dental faculties has reached alarming levels of discontent,' the Committee warned. 'Your Ministry bears full responsibility.' The students concluded the letter with a demand for a 'serious, urgent, and responsible' response from the ministry to avoid the risk of renewed escalation and disruptions in the sector. Over the past several years, Morocco's medical, dental, and pharmacy students have been at the center of repeated disputes with government ministries over education reforms, financial compensation, and working conditions during training. These tensions came to a head in 2022–2023, when a prolonged student boycott brought 11 months of disruption to medical and pharmacy faculties across the country. The November agreement marked the end of the longest student protest in the country's history, addressing demands that included increased stipends, reinstatement of student unions and the reversal of disciplinary actions against striking students. This situation is regarded as a litmus test for the government's commitment to educational reform, student welfare and social dialogue. Failure to respond to the committee's concerns threaten to revive the tensions — potentially reigniting large-scale boycotts, disrupting clinical services, and jeopardizing the academic progression of thousands of students. Tags: medical studentsmedical students protestsministry of health
Morocco World
13-02-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Legal Victory for Morocco's Medical Students, but Struggle Far From Over
Rabat – The National Committee of Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Students (CNEMEP) has once again raised concern over the 'troubling' situation facing the 2023 cohort. In a statement posted yesterday on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, the CNEMEP described these students as being caught in a state of haze due to the 'hybrid' system that merges the old and new curricula. The statement went on to outline the 'serious issues' affecting these students, pointing out that the 2023 class finds itself 'stuck between two systems.' This means Morocco's 2023 cohort of medical students is under great stress as they will have to fulfill a seven-year program in six years, the statement deplored. The lack of clear guidance about their academic path and the absence of detailed course descriptions only add to their stress. As a result, the committee is now calling for a meeting with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education to establish a clearer framework for the students' educational pathway. Pharmacy program challenges The CNEMEP's statement also sheds light on the serious issues that have arisen within the pharmacy sector, especially at the Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy in Oujda and Fez. In Oujda, second-year pharmacy students suffer under the crushing 'pedagogical confusion' and 'unjustified delays.' According to the statement, the current curriculum fails to meet the attested educational standards for the sector. In Fez, meanwhile, fifth-year pharmacy students face a more serious issue. According to the committee, their clinical internship 'had been nullified without anything being officially pointed out or reasonable justification.' The national committee calls for urgent action to resolve these issues, along with other outstanding concerns, while reiterating its irrevocable commitment to 'participatory dialogue' and 'rebuilding ongoing communication' with the relevant authorities. Delays in financial support The statement also addresses the ongoing financial problems many students face, such as delayed scholarship and allowance pay. Added to this are delays and failures to observe agreed timelines, which make life even more difficult for many students. A notable segment of the committee's statement addressed students' reaffirmation of their complete support and sympathy with the Palestinian people. They stated that the Palestinian cause 'remains deeply ingrained' in their ideals. Furthermore, they reject any attempts to normalize academic relations with Israel, stating that 'no war criminal should be allowed to enter our universities, regardless of any justification.' Read Also: Moroccan Medical Students End Year-Long Strike Post Landmark Agreement with Government
