Experience of hospital management in crisis situations: the case of the El Haouz earthquake at l Mhamid local hospital, Marrakech-Morocco

Abstract

On September 8, 2023, Morocco was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale. The quake affected several provinces and prefectures, including the city of Marrakech, causing considerable human and material damage. Rural and mountainous areas were particularly impacted, further complicating logistical and health challenges. This study aims to identify the practices employed by the Mhamid hospital in Marrakech during the earthquake and the actions that could be implemented to improve the response to a large-scale crisis. It is an exploratory case study based on one semi-structured interview with hospital staff. The interview transcript was subjected to thematic content analysis. During the earthquake, the local hospital in Mhamid was the main evacuation site for victims, as it is located in the middle of a densely populated area, putting the facility under severe pressure. Patients had various needs, ranging from minor injuries to critical health conditions. Several measures were implemented as part of the hospital's emergency plan to deal with this situation, mobilizing staff who demonstrated great agility and a culture of solidarity and mutual aid. However, the response to this unpredictable situation was delayed due to certain obstacles. In advance, hospitals must prepare their resources and plan for disaster risks by increasing training and simulations for staff. However, they must also allow for a certain degree of flexibility to adapt innovatively to emerging and unforeseen challenges.

Classification JEL : I18

Type of paper : Empirical research