A doctor working in a public hospital in Casablanca has been arrested following a report filed through Morocco’s green anti-corruption hotline. According to information published by the daily Assabah in its 13 October 2026 edition, the practitioner allegedly demanded money from a young patient in exchange for administering a medicine that was unavailable at the hospital pharmacy.
Judicial police officers reportedly intervened and arrested the doctor during a meeting arranged for the handover of the money. The case was then referred to the judicial authorities.
Casablanca corruption: medicine at the centre of the case
According to details reported by Assabah, the patient had been suffering for two years from pain linked to severe burns. He went to the hospital to receive an injection intended to relieve his pain.
The doctor allegedly told him that the required medicine was not available at the hospital pharmacy, as deliveries from the supplying laboratory had been temporarily interrupted.
The practitioner then reportedly offered the patient a box he personally possessed, claiming that he had received it free of charge for promotional purposes.
Price reportedly raised from 300 to 400 dirhams
According to the newspaper’s account, the doctor initially asked for 300 dirhams for the medicine. The patient is said to have hesitated before accepting this proposal.
The practitioner then allegedly increased the requested amount to 400 dirhams.
Faced with this situation, the young man reportedly decided to alert the authorities. He left the hospital and contacted the green hotline dedicated to reporting corruption.
Green hotline call triggers police intervention
Following the report, the judicial authorities entrusted the investigation to the Sidi Bernoussi judicial police, according to Assabah.
Investigators allegedly arranged a meeting for the payment of the money, in coordination with the complainant.
The doctor was reportedly arrested at the time of the handover. The authorities then initiated the legal procedures provided for in this type of case.
Case raises questions about corruption in public hospitals
This case once again highlights allegations of abuse in public health facilities.
The possible sale of medicines that should be supplied free of charge to patients raises concerns about the management of pharmaceutical products and compliance with professional obligations.
The unavailability of a medicine can also place patients in a position of vulnerability. In this context, reporting mechanisms play an important role in enabling the authorities to examine complaints.
Presumption of innocence still applies
According to information published by Assabah, the file was transmitted to the judicial authorities following the doctor’s arrest.
It is now up to the courts to examine the facts and determine any responsibilities.
The case is also a reminder of the existence of the green hotline for reporting suspected acts of corruption. It underlines the importance of gathering and verifying evidence before drawing conclusions about the individuals implicated.
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