HIBAPRESS – Essaouira
The death of a 14-year-old child at the regional hospital in Essaouira on Monday, December 29, 2025, sparked a wave of sadness and anger among the city's residents, after news circulated on social media attributing the cause of death to the absence of a pediatric surgeon and the lack of appropriate medical intervention.
The news that spread on social media platforms described the incident as a tragedy resulting from negligence, pointing out the death of another child during last August in the same hospital, which added more tension and concern among the local public opinion, and prompted some human rights activists to demand the opening of an urgent and comprehensive investigation. However, the health authorities in Essaouira hastened to clarify the circumstances, confirming that what was circulated was unrelated to the truth. According to the official clarification, the child was suffering from severe pneumonia and was admitted to the intensive care unit where he received the necessary treatments according to his critical health condition, but his deteriorating health condition prevented his rescue. Sources confirmed that the child's health condition did not allow for any surgical intervention except after his health improved, which completely refutes the claims about the absence of a doctor or his refusal to perform his duties, stressing that the medical staff performed their duty in accordance with the protocols in place. The health authorities also affirmed their right to resort to the judiciary to pursue any defamation or misinformation that affects the credibility of the institution and its employees. The health authorities called on citizens to be accurate and responsible in conveying news, especially when it comes to a sensitive sector such as public health, stressing the need to respect lives and credibility at the same time.
