For several months, many services have begun to serve as a bridgehead for a private health structure that has opened its doors. Certainly, the structure was well received by citizens who are always calling for a democratisation of the health map at the regional level, but the practices adopted by some with the aim of getting patients to use the services of this structure have been poorly received by the inhabitants.

"It is a common practice in all the cities of the Kingdom. Surgeons and doctors in the public sector offer you their services in a specific private clinic, in exchange for an invoice that will include a formal part and another 'under the table' for the benefit of said doctors. We can only denounce this illegal and immoral practice, because the quality and comfort of the private sector should be a free choice according to the patients' purchasing power," a citizen told us, not without bitterness.

Before, we talked about the transformation of CHP services into private clinics by certain corrupt doctors and nurses involved in medical errors that were the subject of complaints to which the justice system and Yasmina Baddou's ministry did not follow up. Now, the situation has completely changed; CHP services serve as a relay to divert operations and consultations to said private structure.

"I think the private sector can play a decisive role in improving the health culture at the provincial level, but this must in no way be at the expense of the citizen's right to health services in public structures financed by taxpayers. To this end, we invite the ministry's delegation as well as the administration to fully assume their responsibilities to counter the manoeuvres of certain doctors," an association actor, scandalised by the phenomenon, told us.

Moreover, the CHP has seen several improvements in its services and reception structures, not to mention the metamorphosis it will undergo thanks to two upgrading projects and the creation of new services planned for next year. We were able to benefit from the involvement of certain benefactors mobilised by a surgeon. This operation allowed for the upgrading of the surgery department to the great delight of patients in search of comfort and quality of service. But all this will have no effect on the dull image of public health structures as long as corruption and the diversion of patients persist.

However, it should be noted that some doctors known for their integrity and seriousness offer their services in the private sector in order to improve their living conditions, but only in cases where it would be impossible for them to perform the service at the CHP. A dignified position that, at least, respects the minimum ethical, moral, and professional standards.

Today, the components of Essaouira society find themselves challenged by this metamorphosis of corruption; citizens are still waiting for the appearance of the involved doctors before the disciplinary commission, because the administration should assume its responsibility to protect the right of the 452,000 people seeking care to decent conditions that respect their dignity and citizenship.