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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Rabat - Asharq Al-Awsat

Morocco's Minister of Health Vows Steps to Curb Immigration of Doctors

A patient is seen in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Prince Moulay Abdellah hospital as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Sale, Morocco April 23, 2020. (Reuters)

Morocco's Minister of Health Khalid Ait Taleb said his ministry is working to curb the immigration of doctors and medical professionals as the kingdom grapples with a shortage of medical staff.

Responding to a question at the parliament on Monday, the minister noted that these procedures include improving the working conditions of these professionals.

The National Human Rights Council had recently revealed that some 10,000 to 14,000 doctors had left the country.

Morocco needs 26,000 doctors and 65,000 nurses to meet local demands.

“We have improved the sector by adopting innovative mechanisms to attract health workers from inside and outside the country, and to encourage them to work in the public health sector and ensure its stability,” said Ait Taleb.

He added that his ministry is holding several meetings to discuss many issues that concern the future of the sector, including the outlines framing jobs and the requirements of health workers.

The minister cited a deal signed in February that raises doctors' salaries from 8,000 dirhams ($800) to 13,000 dirhams ($1,300).

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