The Moroccan government, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is advancing comprehensive healthcare reforms focusing on digitisation, infrastructure, and workforce expansion to improve healthcare access and quality. The initiative aligns with the Royal Programme of Social Protection and includes significant projects to enhance public health facilities. Despite challenges and criticisms regarding privatization, the reforms aim to build an inclusive, efficient healthcare system for all citizens.
The Moroccan government, spearheaded by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is committed to modernising its healthcare system. This initiative is founded on several key pillars, including digitisation, infrastructure development, and the expansion of the healthcare workforce, aimed at enhancing access and quality of medical services.
In alignment with the Royal Programme of Social Protection, Morocco has formulated an ambitious plan to reform the public health system, resonating with citizens’ aspirations and King Mohammed VI’s vision. Akhannouch has stated that the strategy is anchored in four essential pillars: improving governance institutions, continuously developing infrastructures, digitising the health sector, and increasing the number of healthcare professionals.
During a recent evaluation meeting, Akhannouch underscored the necessity of ensuring a public health service that meets Moroccans’ needs while reinforcing the welfare state’s foundations. Current projects under review include the establishment, expansion, and refurbishment of six university hospitals and 79 regional and provincial hospitals, adding 11,338 new beds to national hospital capacity.
A focal point of Morocco’s healthcare reform is the digitisation of the national health system, to be realised through an integrated information system for collecting and processing vital health sector data. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, along with other economic departments, plans to sign a collaboration agreement to ensure financial efficiency.
Additionally, Morocco has initiated a programme to increase the number of health professionals, addressing staff shortages and reforming the training infrastructure. New medical and pharmacy faculties will be established in Guelmim, Errachidia, and Beni Mellal.
Tayeb Hamdi, a health policy researcher, remarked that King Mohammed VI’s health initiatives represent a social revolution, as they view health not just as a sector but a crucial driver of national development. However, he cautioned that improving service quality and ensuring equitable access to medical care across regions remains critical.
Despite advancements, the healthcare reform plan has attracted criticism, particularly regarding the transition of the health insurance programme to the private sector. A recent report from the Higher Council of Audit indicated that 74% of the expenses within the compulsory health insurance framework go to the private sector, with only 26% allocated to public hospitals.
Through these initiatives, Morocco aspires to create a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system that enhances the quality of medical care while promoting social and territorial justice, embodying the vision for an emerging and prosperous nation.
In summary, Morocco’s comprehensive healthcare reform, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, focuses on enhancing medical service quality and accessibility through various strategic pillars. Despite receiving criticism regarding the health insurance programme’s transition to the private sector, ongoing projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a robust healthcare system. Ultimately, these reforms aim to achieve social equity and contribute to the nation’s development.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com
