Health Minister Mustapfa Ferjani Addresses Demands of Young Doctors
The Minister of Health, Mustapfa Ferjani, stated on Wednesday during a joint plenary session between the Assembly of People's Representatives and the National Council of Regions and Districts, that his department has "responded to a large part of the demands of young doctors" and is continuing to examine other requests in a comprehensive approach that takes into account public finances.
Commitments and Agreements
He explained that the ministry "has respected its commitments" and that a principle agreement has been reached for a salary revaluation starting in 2026, as part of negotiations conducted with the Ministries of Finance and Social Affairs. Ferjani emphasized that the government is handling this file "in a partnership logic, far from empty promises," reiterating that the state refuses any form of blackmail or disruption of public services.
Open Dialogue and Healthcare Reform
The Minister stressed that the doors of the ministry "remain open to dialogue," adding that the health of citizens remains a red line. He recalled that the reform of the healthcare system necessarily involves complementarity between the state, young doctors, and all healthcare professionals. According to him, young doctors constitute "an essential force" in hospitals and play a central role in the daily functioning of public establishments.
Implementation of Complementary Activities
Ferjani also mentioned the upcoming implementation of complementary activities in the afternoon, which will be applied, according to him, in an integrated approach that includes all stakeholders in the sector: doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, administrative agents, and support staff. This device aims to improve internal coordination and strengthen the quality of services for the benefit of patients.
Budget Debate and Protests
During the budget debate, several deputies strongly defended the demands of young doctors, qualifying them as legitimate and urgent. They criticized the ministry for its delays in applying the concluded agreements, estimating that this situation has undermined trust within health structures and contributed to increasing tensions in hospital services. Earlier in the day, hundreds of young doctors organized a sit-in in front of the Parliament building to protest against the non-respect of government commitments and demand better working conditions in hospitals.
