A 14-month-old baby refused emergency care: two Moroccan clinics risk closure

The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, received the report of the commission tasked with investigating the two facilities. Regional and central inspectors took part in the mission.

The report allegedly identified several violations, as well as the absence of essential equipment in both clinics. Shortcomings concerning their infrastructure were also noted.

The case dates back to the arrival in Larache of a family from Rabat. Their 14-month-old child had a very high fever, drooling and an almost complete loss of consciousness. Despite the child’s condition, the parents say they were turned away late in the evening by two private facilities.

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At both clinics, they were allegedly told that the doctor on duty could not examine such a young child in the absence of a pediatrician. The specialist who usually treated the baby had nevertheless offered to speak by telephone with the doctor present in order to give him instructions. This solution was allegedly refused as well.

The family ultimately went to the public Lalla Meryem provincial hospital. The child was immediately treated by the emergency department and was able to overcome the crisis, according to the mother.

An ultimatum, not yet a closure

Following the complaint filed with the Ministry of Health and the General Secretariat of the Government, the two clinics received particularly severe observations. They now have a deadline to carry out the necessary work and acquire the missing equipment.

A closure has therefore not yet been ordered. It could take place if the facilities fail to comply with the inspectors’ recommendations. Their managers have also been ordered never again to refuse a patient arriving in critical condition.

This case comes as Amine Tahraoui has already adopted a firm position regarding certain practices by private clinics, particularly concerning their funding and compliance with their obligations toward patients.

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The mother is now calling for responsibilities to be established and for the authorities to determine whether the refusal made to her child constitutes professional negligence or a failure to assist a person in danger.