Future white coats are not taking off despite the government’s comforting commitments regarding the new medical training system. Despite the resumption of dialogue with the Akhannouch government, the blockage continues for the 7th consecutive month, due to lack of a compromise.
Determined to see the struggle through to the end, the students ended up boycotting the end-of-year exams scheduled from Wednesday, June 26, as a sign of discontent with the government’s offer, the broad outlines of which were presented on Tuesday by government spokesman Mustapha Baitas.
On Wednesday, the lecture halls of the various Faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry were deserted. According to information from the national commission of students in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy (CNEMEP), 94% of students boycotted exams at the opening of the spring session, announced by Mustapha Baitas. Thus, only 94 students out of a total of 10,966 took the tests, highlighting the scenario of a blank year in the Faculties.
“This action follows the results of the general assemblies and the national vote which reached more than 90% support for the student will to continue the boycott, in response to the arbitrary decisions not annulled and the continued attempts at blackmail,” the commission said, refusing to unjustifiably maintain the exam dates decided unilaterally despite the absence of adequate educational conditions for their holding.
At the same time, the students are also maintaining the boycott of practical and theoretical courses as well as hospital internships and are demanding the conclusion of an agreement notified in a report containing clear solutions capable of reassuring them about their academic and professional future.
Future doctors deplore that the government has gone back on some of its proposals that would have resolved this crisis. This includes the optional 7th year that the Executive initially proposed to students who are still attached to the old training system, which lasts 7 years.
Furthermore, student representatives believe that the measures taken by the Ministry of Higher Education, such as increasing the number of students in certain crucial medical specialties and reducing the training duration from 7 to 6 years, compromise the quality of training.
In addition, future doctors, wishing to obtain maximum guarantees, are asking that the verbal proposals of the Executive be formalized in writing in a report. On the other hand, the Akhannouch government considers that the file is closed since it has defined the contours of the desired reform, while offering material and professional incentives to students. A dispute that risks prolonging this crisis, the cost of which could be considerable.
Akhannouch recalls the civic responsibility of students
At a time when students are holding the government responsible for the current crisis, the government is doing the same and recalling “the civic responsibility of medical students”.
During a meeting within the framework of the “Citizen Café” initiative, Aziz Akhannouch stressed that his government has responded favorably to the demands expressed by future doctors, given the crucial role of the latter in the success of the structural reforms launched by the Kingdom.
“The country needs you and if you are medical students today, tomorrow you will be our doctors and the doctors of our children. In fact, when you are a doctor, you put yourself at the service of your country, of your society,” underlines the Head of Government.
Regarding the exams, Akhannouch explained that it was not possible to postpone the exams indefinitely. “It was decided to maintain them on the agreed date.”
