A woman in her 70s died in Morocco after reportedly suffering a snakebite and then spending about 10 hours at a hospital that did not have antivenom available.
The case sparked protests in Tata province and calls for answers about the care she received.
Here's what to know
According to Yabiladi, Fatima reached Tata's provincial hospital at around 8:30 p.m. on September 26 after being bitten at about 7 p.m. in Akdi in the commune of Tizounine. She was eventually transferred to the military hospital in Guelmim, where she died two days later.
Mbarek Etchraft, president of the Ifous Forum for Democracy and Human Rights, explained what happened when she arrived at the first hospital.
"The woman underwent the available examinations and received treatment but remained in the hospital for around 10 hours in pain, with no snake antivenom available, no anesthesiologist, and no intensive care services," he told Yabiladi.
Fatima's death has reportedly fueled debate on social media and local protests. Reports that antivenom and specialist support were unavailable have expanded the case into a wider public health controversy.
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More background
According to Etchraft, hospital staff first tried to arrange admission for Fatima at the university hospital in Agadir, but, as Yabiladi reported, "there were no beds available." She was then referred to the military hospital because she was a serviceman's widow.
At around 6:30 a.m. on September 27, she left in an ambulance. The route of more than 186 miles included construction and unpaved sections, which Etchraft said made the transfer even more difficult.
Fatima reportedly arrived in Guelmim in critical condition, was admitted to intensive care, and died on September 29.
What's being done?
Etchraft said residents have protested in Tata province, seeking clarification about how Fatima was treated and an examination of what they view as shortcomings in her care. Ifous Forum also wants measures put in place to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
"We call for snake and scorpion antivenom to be made available in the province's health facilities and for the provincial hospital to be reinforced with staff and equipment, particularly in anesthesia and intensive care, so it is equipped to handle critical cases," Etchraft said.
Where can I learn more?
These stories offer more context on snakebite dangers, treatments, and related strains on public health systems:
• At a Hurghada resort in Egypt, a cobra slithered up a tourist's pants during a snake show.
• Across warming regions, rising snakebite threat could put billions more people at risk.
• Globally, the spread of venomous snakes could reshape where deadly encounters happen.
• In India, rising temperatures are driving more dangerous encounters with venomous snakes.
• Scientists are testing a speedy new treatment that may work against venomous snakebites.
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