Laâyoune, February 26, 2025 – The first Moroccan-American Medical Days were held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Laâyoune. The event aimed to enhance healthcare quality and strengthen the skills of doctors in the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region.
Organized by the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Laâyoune, in collaboration with Saint Francis Hospital in New York (USA) and the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra Regional Council, this scientific event sought to foster collaboration between Moroccan and American healthcare institutions, facilitate medical expertise exchange, develop the skills of healthcare professionals, and promote innovation in medicine and surgery.
Seven American doctors from various specialties—including endocrinology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, obstetrics-gynecology, and pediatrics—participated in the event. Their presence allowed local professionals to learn about the latest medical advancements, thereby improving patient care in the region.
In her opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Laâyoune, Fatima Zahra El Hafidi, emphasized the significance of such initiatives. She highlighted their role in fostering professional exchanges between Moroccan and American doctors, encouraging medical innovation, and enhancing healthcare quality in the region.
El Hafidi also pointed out that Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra is equipped with highly qualified medical professionals and high-standard research and healthcare institutions. The organization of these medical days in Laâyoune, she noted, reflects the region’s commitment to becoming a center of medical excellence.
On this occasion, a partnership agreement was signed between Saint Francis Hospital in New York and the regional hospitals of Laâyoune. The agreement aims to establish a framework for collaboration in medical education, training, and research to improve healthcare quality.
Under this agreement, signed by Meyer Abittan, representative of Saint Francis Hospital, and Ali Houari, Regional Director of Health and Social Protection, both parties agreed to collaborate in medical training, research and innovation, telemedicine, and the exchange of best practices.
As part of the Moroccan-American Medical Days, Dr. Jon Batash, Medical Director of Post-Acute Care, presented a lecture focusing on the multidisciplinary approach to patient care in the U.S.
The second day of this scientific event was marked by the presence of Abdeslam Bekrate, Wali of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region and Governor of Laâyoune Province, as well as Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid, President of the Regional Council. Also in attendance were representatives of the pharmaceutical laboratory “Laprophan” and consuls general accredited in Laâyoune.
