Medical student crisis: the ministry makes concessions to save the start of the school year

The medical students’ file takes a new turn. Despite mediation efforts, the Ministry of Higher Education and future doctors are struggling to agree on a contested reform. A situation which is bogged down and could well explode.

The standoff between medical students and the Ministry of Higher Education is getting tougher. The curriculum reform, which reduces the duration of studies from seven to six years, has crystallized deep discontent within medical faculties, where not only the lack of consultation but also the absence of responses to structural demands are denounced. students. While the reform reducing the duration of studies from seven to six years was enacted more than a year ago, the dialogue seems to have broken down.

On the one hand, the ministry is increasing its efforts to bring peace to the faculties, with promises of catch-up sessions and a revised educational organization. On the other hand, the students are maintaining their boycott, denouncing a lack of consultation and still deplorable training conditions. This crisis could have serious repercussions on Morocco’s health system, already under pressure.

A dialogue of the deaf
Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Higher Education announced new measures to restore a peaceful climate in the faculties. The ministry emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing the start of the academic year and announces make-up sessions from October 4 for students who missed the second semester exams. Information meetings are also planned to explain the new educational organization and further integrate students into the decision-making process.

However, these announcements were not enough to convince those mainly concerned. The union of teacher-researchers, which supports the students’ demands, once again denounces a “hasty reform” and a lack of prior consultation.

According to them, this reduction in the curriculum is accompanied by a deterioration in the working conditions of teachers and a lack of resources to properly supervise students. They are calling for a sit-in this Wednesday at the Faculty of Medicine of Casablanca, in solidarity with students and resident doctors.

“If the government persists on this path, it will become impossible to carry out our educational missions,” warns the union.

A reform that divides
The reform of the medical curriculum, aimed at reducing the duration of studies from seven to six years, was presented as a solution to align Morocco with international standards and accelerate the training of future doctors. But for students, this reduction is seen as a threat to the quality of their training. Indeed, several fundamental questions remain unanswered.

Yasser Derkaoui, former president of the Rabat Medical Students’ Office, already recalled a few months ago that the reform could not be accepted until structural problems were resolved. Students denounce in particular the increase in numbers in lecture theaters and the overcrowding of internship sites, which compromise their practical learning. Another major demand is the remuneration of postgraduate students, considered insufficient given the workload and responsibilities they assume within hospitals.

“21 dirhams per day is a tiny remuneration,” recalled Derkaoui. For many, the reduction in the duration of studies only worsens these precarious conditions.

A devastating impact on the health system
The extension of this crisis goes far beyond the academic framework. The boycott of medical students, which has lasted for several months, is already having significant consequences on university hospitals. With the reduction in internship and consultation staff, the workload of existing doctors increases considerably, leading to delays in patient care and a reduction in the quality of care. The prospects for resolving this crisis seem distant.

Medical students continue to demand guarantees for quality training. Despite the ministry’s efforts to organize catch-ups and propose inclusive educational reform, the situation seems frozen.

For the moment, students are still refusing to return to classes as long as their demands, particularly regarding internship remuneration and improved working conditions, are not taken into account. The ministry, for its part, is determined to maintain its schedule and not give in to pressure. But this position risks leading to a prolonged blockage, to the detriment of public health. Indeed, Morocco is facing a shortage of doctors, and any delay in the training of future practitioners will only aggravate this problem.

Faiza Rhoul / ECO Inspirations