Morocco’s Comprehensive Healthcare Reform: Enhancing Access and Quality

Morocco’s government, led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is undertaking significant healthcare reforms to enhance access and quality through digitization, infrastructure improvements, and workforce expansion. These efforts aim to realize the Royal Programme of Social Protection while aligning with the vision of King Mohammed VI. The reform focuses on creating a public health service that truly meets citizens’ needs, despite encountering challenges surrounding private sector involvement in health insurance.

The Moroccan government, under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is actively engaged in modernizing its healthcare system with key objectives focusing on digitization, infrastructure enhancement, and workforce expansion to ensure accessible, quality medical services. This initiative aligns with the Royal Programme of Social Protection, aiming to fulfill citizen aspirations while adhering to King Mohammed VI’s strategic vision.

Prime Minister Akhannouch highlighted four essential pillars of this healthcare strategy: the activation of governance institutions, continuous infrastructure development, sector digitization, and an increase in healthcare professionals. During a recent progress evaluation meeting, he reaffirmed the commitment to establish a public health service that meets national expectations and strengthens the welfare state’s foundations.

The review encompassed ongoing initiatives, notably the construction and refurbishment of six university hospitals and 79 regional hospitals, aiming to add 11,338 beds to the national capacity. An integrated information system will facilitate national health digitization, enhancing data collection and usage. A collaboration agreement is being finalized to ensure financial efficiency among the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the National Social Security Fund.

Additionally, the government is focused on increasing the health workforce to address staff shortages and reform training systems, including new medical and pharmacy faculties in Guelmim, Errachidia, and Beni Mellal. Health policy researcher Tayeb Hamdi has noted that King Mohammed VI’s health programs symbolize a social revolution, positioning health as a critical lever for development, while emphasizing the need for improved service quality and equitable access.

Despite advancements, criticisms have arisen regarding the shift of the health insurance program to the private sector. A recent report from the Higher Council of Audit indicated that only 26% of compulsory health insurance expenses were allocated to public hospitals, with 74% directed to private entities. Through these initiatives, Morocco aspires to establish a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system that not only enhances medical care quality but also promotes social and territorial justice, aligning with the vision of a promising and emerging nation.

In conclusion, Morocco’s comprehensive healthcare reform aims to modernize its system through digitization, infrastructure, and workforce enhancement, addressing citizen needs and aligning with royal directives. Although there have been criticisms regarding private sector involvement in health insurance, the government remains committed to building an inclusive healthcare framework that seeks to enhance service quality and ensure equitable access for all Moroccans.

Original Source: www.atalayar.com