A video that went viral featuring Moroccan surgeons listening to loud traditional "chaabi" music and even dancing while performing surgery has caused significant public anger in Morocco, leading to calls for an official inquiry by the Health Ministry.
The video, which started spreading extensively on social media Monday night, shows a group of healthcare workers carrying out a surgical operation with lively Moroccan traditional music playing in the background. This incident has led many people from Morocco to doubt the professionalism of the medical personnel and the overall condition of hospital practices in the nation.
Although the Daily NewsAR made several efforts to secure an official response from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, no formal statement or explanation had been released at the time of publication. In the meantime, public dissatisfaction keeps increasing, with many demanding an investigation into when and where the video was filmed, as well as the identities of the healthcare workers involved.
Health professionals and union representatives provided varied responses, which significantly contrasted with the prevailing online public opinion. In an interview with Daily NewsAR, Ali Lotfi, leader of the Moroccan Network for the Right to Health and the Right to Life, mentioned that employing music in operating rooms is not a novel concept and is, indeed, a standard procedure in numerous Western hospitals to help alleviate stress among surgical staff.
"The error," Lotfi stated, "wasn't the music per se, but the selection of genre—loud, energetic 'chaabi' music—which is completely contrary to the soothing atmosphere usually desired during surgery." He further noted that "dancing during a surgical operation is inappropriate," and pointed out the absence of definitive national regulations regarding music in operating rooms.
Karim Belmokadem, the head of the National Union of Public Health within the Democratic Federation of Labor, also highlighted that playing music in operating rooms is widely acknowledged for its healing impact in reducing stress among both patients and medical personnel. Nevertheless, he pointed out that the debate should encourage a more extensive discussion on enhancing healthcare facilities and oversight, instead of concentrating only on the selection of music.
A surgeon in active practice, who communicated with Daily NewsAR while remaining anonymous, emphasized the importance of confirming the video's authenticity, background, and location before forming any conclusions.
"At this stage, we are still uncertain if the scene occurred in a public or private establishment," the source mentioned, noting that numerous surgeons employ soothing music, like classical or instrumental pieces, to help reduce stress during intricate procedures.
The public's surprise," the physician clarified, "stemmed from the lively quality of the music and the bodily responses it triggered, which seemed inappropriate in a clean, intense setting.
As the video keeps circulating online and sparks public discussion, the lack of an official statement from health officials has further increased public worry. Many are now expecting specific measures from the ministry, either through a disciplinary investigation or more defined national guidelines regarding conduct and environment within operating rooms.
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