Morocco’s government is implementing a comprehensive healthcare reform to improve access to and quality of medical services. Key initiatives include strengthening governance, infrastructure development, digitization, and expanding the healthcare workforce. Despite progress, concerns regarding the privatization of health insurance persist. The aim is to create an inclusive and efficient healthcare system aligned with the vision of King Mohammed VI.
Morocco, under the leadership of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is advancing a comprehensive healthcare reform initiative focused on enhancing both access to and the quality of medical services. Key strategies include digitization, infrastructural improvements, and workforce expansion aimed at modernizing the healthcare system to meet citizens’ needs better.
Aligned with the Royal Programme of Social Protection, this ambitious plan aims to transform the public health sector in accordance with King Mohammed VI’s vision. Akhannouch has highlighted four principal pillars of this strategy: strengthening governance institutions, ongoing infrastructure development, digitizing the healthcare sector, and increasing the healthcare workforce.
In a recent evaluation meeting, Akhannouch reaffirmed the goal of ensuring a public health service that fulfills the expectations of the Moroccan populace while reinforcing the welfare state. Ongoing projects include the construction and enhancement of six university hospitals and 79 regional and provincial hospitals, which together will add over 11,000 new hospital beds to national capacity.
Digitization is another vital aspect, emphasizing the establishment of an integrated information system aimed at improving data management in the healthcare sector. A collaboration agreement is anticipated between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the National Social Security Fund to ensure financial efficiency.
To tackle shortages in healthcare staffing, the Moroccan government has initiated a program to increase the number of health professionals, including establishing new medical and pharmacy faculties in Guelmim, Errachidia, and Beni Mellal. Health policy researcher Tayeb Hamdi stated that these initiatives reflect a social revolution, recognizing health as fundamental for national development, while emphasizing the necessity to enhance service quality and ensure equitable access across regions.
Despite these advancements, criticisms persist regarding the transition of health insurance programs to the private sector, as highlighted in a recent report by the Higher Council of Audit, indicating that 74% of mandatory health insurance expenditures go toward private services, leaving only 26% for public hospitals. Through these reforms, Morocco aims to create a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system that improves service quality and advances social justice, in line with its aspirations as an emerging country.
In summary, Morocco’s healthcare reform initiative represents a significant stride towards modernizing the public health system. With a focus on digitization, infrastructure enhancement, and workforce expansion, the government seeks to provide more accessible and higher-quality healthcare services. However, challenges such as the reliance on private health insurance remain, necessitating continued efforts to ensure equitable access and high standards of care. This comprehensive approach underscores Morocco’s commitment to building a robust healthcare system in alignment with its developmental vision.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com
