فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
On September 8, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced a series of urgent measures to tackle the severe healthcare crisis at the regional Hassan II hospital in Agadir, which has sparked widespread public concern due to deteriorating services, staff shortages, and a rise in suspected deaths in recent weeks.
Administrative and Operational Actions
The measures included the immediate dismissal of the hospital director, the regional health delegate of Souss Massa, and the regional health director, with a deputy regional director appointed to ensure administrative continuity. Contracts with external companies providing security, cleaning, and reception services were terminated and temporarily replaced by government-run or internal companies to improve service quality and reduce costs. Disciplinary procedures were also initiated against unjustified absences among staff, and the General Inspectorate was tasked with a thorough investigation into recent deaths.
Equipment and Investments
The ministry announced the imminent delivery of a new CT scanner worth 20 million MAD to enhance diagnostic capabilities, especially in emergency and radiology departments, where the previous device had been out of service since 2023. Additionally, a budget of 200 million MAD was allocated for the gradual rehabilitation of the hospital, while accelerating construction work on the new university hospital in Agadir — part of the “Health 2030” plan aiming to improve healthcare services in southern regions.
Background of the Crisis
Since its establishment in the 1970s, Hassan II hospital has served over 500,000 patients annually but has faced chronic challenges since 2023, including the loss of 25% of doctors (2022–2025) due to low salaries (average 8,000 MAD), shortages in nursing staff (15% decrease), supply chain delays causing a 30% shortage in essential medicines, and frequent strikes impacting service quality. The crisis peaked in August 2025 with approximately 15 suspected deaths due to inadequate care, triggering public protests and union actions that compelled ministerial intervention.
Challenges and Outlook
Souss Massa region, home to over 2 million residents and 2 million annual tourists, faces significant healthcare demands, with Hassan II hospital covering about 70% of the area’s medical cases. Experts call for hiring over 500 new health personnel and operationalizing the university hospital by 2027 to meet growing needs. Nationally, the health sector faces funding challenges, employing only around 6% of the GDP despite a 35 billion MAD budget for 2025, and battling workforce unemployment and brain drain. The ministry has announced plans to recruit 10,000 workers in 2026, while urging structural reforms and increased funding.
Civil Society and Union Views
Local polls show 70% of Agadir residents welcome the new measures, though about 40% demand broader investigations and accountability. Unions such as the National Union of Health Workers have welcomed the steps but warned against ongoing systemic neglect and called for improved staff conditions, including a 20% salary increase.
In conclusion, while the Ministry of Health’s announced actions represent a substantial step toward resolving the Hassan II hospital crisis, sustained efforts and strategic long-term investments are essential to achieve lasting improvements in healthcare delivery in Souss Massa and across Morocco.
Summary Table of Measures and Expected Impact
| Measure | Details | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Dismissal of Officials | Hospital director, regional delegate, and regional director replaced | Improved administration and restored short-term trust |
| Termination of External Contracts | Security, cleaning, and reception companies replaced temporarily | Better hygiene, security, and cost reduction |
| Disciplinary Procedures | Investigations and sanctions for unexcused absences (15% staff) | Increased staff presence and reduced negligence |
| Comprehensive Investigation | General Inspectorate probe into 15 recent deaths | Identifying causes and preventing recurrence |
| New CT Scanner Delivery | 20 million MAD state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment | Enhanced emergency and radiology diagnostics |
| Long-term Investment | 200 million MAD hospital rehabilitation and university hospital acceleration | Infrastructure update, increased capacity (+600 beds) |
