Moroccan Health Minister Confirms Continued Centralized Salaries for Health Professionals

Moroccan Health Minister Youns Bgigjou has reaffirmed that the state will continue to pay the salaries of health professionals, maintaining their status as public employees. This confirmation comes amid concerns raised by a draft budget for 2027, which suggested changes to the payment structure for health professionals. Bgigjou emphasized that the state's commitment to paying salaries is not a personal or temporary decision, but rather a legally and organizationally guaranteed one.

The minister's statement was made during a meeting of the Social Sectors Committee in the House of Representatives. He stressed that the state's payment of salaries to health professionals is guaranteed by law, specifically Article 23 of the 2025 Finance Law and related decrees. Bgigjou also assured that the state's treasury will continue to process and disburse salaries to health professionals.

Bgigjou's statement aims to alleviate concerns among health professionals and their unions. The issue had sparked debate after the draft budget for 2027 included allocations for health professionals' salaries under a different category. This led to questions about the state's commitment to maintaining their status as public employees and the potential impact on their rights and benefits.

The National Union of Public Health, a key union representing health professionals, had raised concerns about the proposed changes. In a statement, the union emphasized the importance of maintaining the centralized payment of salaries and protecting the rights and benefits of health professionals. The union also called for the implementation of a 2024 agreement aimed at improving working conditions and benefits for health professionals.

The minister's confirmation has been welcomed by health professionals and their unions. However, the union has also emphasized the need for clear and consistent implementation of the state's commitments. The issue highlights the ongoing challenges in Morocco's healthcare sector, where health professionals have been advocating for better working conditions and benefits.

The government's commitment to maintaining the centralized payment of salaries is seen as crucial in maintaining the stability and motivation of health professionals. The healthcare sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, including shortages of medical staff and equipment. The minister's statement is seen as a positive step towards addressing these challenges and improving the overall quality of healthcare in Morocco.

The issue is also being closely watched by parliamentarians, who have been pressing for greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. The Socialist Group in the House of Representatives had submitted a written question to the minister, seeking clarification on the state's commitments to health professionals and the implementation of the 2024 agreement.

Key points

• The Moroccan government has confirmed that it will continue to pay the salaries of health professionals, maintaining their status as public employees.