HIBAPRESS – Mohammed Zariouh
The Moroccan Labor Union, Nador branch, issued a statement to the public expressing its deep concern regarding the anticipated changes in healthcare provision in the region, against the backdrop of the upcoming opening of the regional hospital in the city of Selouane, and the accompanying trend towards closing the Al Hassani Hospital in the city of Nador.
The union considered that this transformation raises real fears about the future of health services provided to the population of the region's center. The union, while appreciating the establishment of the regional hospital in Selouane as an important step to enhance health infrastructure, stressed its rejection of any approach that transfers health services from the city of Nador instead of expanding and strengthening them. The Union confirmed that the logic of incomplete spatial compensation cannot constitute a solution, especially if it would empty the city of Nador of essential services, especially the hospital and emergency services. The statement indicated that this trend, if adopted, will have direct repercussions on the right of citizens to access treatment, especially in emergency cases where time is crucial. It also warned that the population of a number of neighboring communities, including Bni Ansar, Farkhana and Zghanghan, may face additional difficulties in transportation and direct connection with the new hospital, which may exacerbate the suffering of patients and threaten their safety. The Union considered that this option contradicts the supreme royal directives aimed at reducing spatial and social disparities, and also does not align with the provisions of Article 31 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to treatment and health protection. In this context, it called on the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to provide official and urgent clarifications regarding this transformation, while revealing an integrated vision that guarantees the continuity of the health facility within the city of Nador, in full respect for the principle of spatial justice. The Moroccan Labor Union, Nador branch, concluded its statement by emphasizing its outright rejection of any trend that leads to emptying the city of its essential health services, demanding the retention of the emergency department and the establishment of a nearby hospital equipped with all essential and emergency services within the city of Nador. It also called on various political, trade union and civil forces to join a unified local front to advocate for this vital file, announcing its readiness to engage in all legitimate forms of struggle and advocacy in defense of the right of the population to nearby, continuous and quality health services.
