Morocco healthcare protests follow woman's death after snakebite

A woman in her 70s, identified as Fatima, has died in Morocco following a snakebite and a reported lack of adequate medical resources. The incident has triggered protests in the Tata province and sparked a national debate regarding healthcare accessibility and quality.

According to reports, Fatima was bitten in the Akdi commune on September 26. She arrived at the provincial hospital in Tata at approximately 8:30 p.m., where she reportedly spent 10 hours in pain without access to antivenom, an anesthesiologist, or intensive care services. Efforts to transfer her to the university hospital in Agadir were unsuccessful due to a lack of available beds.

Fatima was eventually transferred to a military hospital in Guelmim. The transfer, covering over 186 miles, was reportedly hindered by unpaved roads and construction. She arrived in critical condition and passed away on September 29. Mbarek Etchraft, president of the Ifous Forum for Democracy and Human Rights, has called for an investigation into the shortcomings of the care provided.