Morocco is reforming its healthcare system to improve access and quality. Led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, the initiative focuses on digitization, infrastructure development, and expanding the healthcare workforce. The reform is part of the Royal Programme of Social Protection and aims to align the health system with citizens’ expectations and King Mohammed VI’s vision. Challenges such as the privatization of health insurance remain, but the government seeks to build a more inclusive healthcare system.
Morocco is undertaking comprehensive healthcare reform aimed at enhancing access and quality of healthcare services. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, efforts are focused on digitization, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and expanding the workforce to provide more accessible medical services. This reform aligns with the Royal Programme of Social Protection, which seeks to transform the public health system according to citizens’ needs and the vision of King Mohammed VI.
The reform strategy emphasizes four key pillars: activation of governance institutions, development of infrastructures, sector digitization, and increasing the number of healthcare professionals. During a recent meeting assessing program progress, Akhannouch highlighted the necessity of ensuring a public health service that meets citizens’ expectations and reinforces the welfare state.
Ongoing projects include the construction, expansion, and refurbishment of six university hospitals and 79 regional and provincial hospitals, which will add over 11,000 new beds to Morocco’s hospital capacity. Additionally, the digitization of the national health system aims to implement an integrated information system for effective data utilization in the health sector. A collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy, and National Social Security Fund is also anticipated to ensure financial efficiency.
To address staff shortages, Morocco has launched a program to increase the number of healthcare professionals and reform the training system. This initiative involves establishing new medical and pharmacy faculties in Guelmim, Errachidia, and Beni Mellal. Health policy researcher Tayeb Hamdi remarked that the reforms reflect a social revolution, positioning health as a crucial driver of national development, while emphasizing the need to improve service quality and ensure equitable access to care.
Despite these advancements, the reform plan has encountered criticism, particularly regarding the privatization of the health insurance scheme, with the latest audit report revealing that 74% of compulsory health insurance expenditures are directed to the private sector. Morocco aims to create a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system that not only enhances medical care quality but also fosters social and territorial equity, in alignment with its vision of emerging as a promising nation.
Morocco’s healthcare reform initiative is a significant step toward improving healthcare access and quality. By focusing on digitization, infrastructure development, and workforce expansion, the government aims to meet citizens’ needs effectively. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the privatization of health insurance and the need for equitable access to healthcare services. Ultimately, these efforts seek to create a more inclusive healthcare system that supports social justice and national development.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com
