فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Fes News has obtained information revealing that public hospitals in Meknes are experiencing an unprecedented crisis due to a severe shortage of anesthesiologists and resuscitation specialists. This shortage has paralyzed surgical operations and exacerbated the strain on healthcare services. The crisis has worsened as more doctors retire without being replaced, leaving hospitals such as Mohammed V, Moulay Ismail, and Sidi Said with only one anesthesiologist to serve a large number of patients requiring urgent surgical interventions.
According to Al-Sabah newspaper, the number of anesthesiologists in the public sector in Meknes has drastically declined from 196 doctors before the COVID-19 pandemic to just 28–32 doctors currently. This sharp decrease has led to near paralysis of surgical units and the suspension of essential procedures, particularly in fields such as ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), and maxillofacial surgery.
To address the crisis, authorities have resorted to temporary measures, such as contracting anesthesiologists through an association in partnership with the Provincial Council. However, these efforts have been short-term fixes rather than sustainable solutions, failing to stabilize the healthcare system in the long run. Medical professionals and trade unions have voiced their concerns over the continued brain drain of medical expertise, as many anesthesiologists prefer the private sector due to better working conditions.
In response to the crisis, calls for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Health have intensified. MP Zakaria Ben Ounas has submitted a written question to the Minister of Health, demanding clarification on emergency measures to address the shortage, which directly affects surgical schedules and emergency cases. Similarly, MP and doctor Samira Qassior has formally inquired about the government’s planned solutions to mitigate the shortage before the situation deteriorates further.
Additionally, the Moroccan Association of Anesthesia and Resuscitation Nurses has urged the Ministry of Health to take full responsibility for resolving the crisis. The association warned of the serious consequences of this ongoing issue on both patients’ safety and the well-being of nurses, who are struggling under immense pressure due to the absence of specialized doctors.
source : fesnews media
