Morocco’s Comprehensive Healthcare Reform: Enhancing Access and Quality

Morocco is undertaking significant healthcare reforms under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to improve access and quality of medical services. This initiative includes digitization, infrastructure development, and workforce expansion, aligned with the Royal Programme of Social Protection. Despite facing criticism over health insurance privatization, the reforms aim for a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system, responding to citizens’ needs and aspirations.

The Moroccan government, under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is advancing comprehensive healthcare reforms focused on enhancing access to and quality of medical services. Key strategies include digitization, fortifying infrastructure, and expanding the healthcare workforce, aiming to provide more accessible healthcare. This initiative aligns with the Royal Programme of Social Protection, responding to citizens’ needs and guided by King Mohammed VI’s vision.

Prime Minister Akhannouch outlined a strategy involving four pillars: strengthening governance institutions, continuous infrastructure development, digitization of the healthcare sector, and increasing the workforce. During evaluations of the strategy’s progress, he underscored the goal of ensuring a public health service that meets citizens’ expectations, bolstering the foundations of the welfare state.

Current projects entail the construction, expansion, and renovation of six university hospitals and 79 regional and provincial hospitals, significantly enhancing national capacity with an addition of 11,338 beds. In digitizing the national health system, an integrated information system will be developed to manage vital health data efficiently, supported by a financial efficiency collaboration among various ministries and the National Social Security Fund.

In response to workforce shortfalls, the Moroccan government initiated a program to increase health professionals by establishing new medical and pharmacy faculties in Guelmim, Errachidia, and Beni Mellal. Health policy researcher Tayeb Hamdi noted that King Mohammed VI’s health initiatives represent a pivotal social transformation, emphasizing health’s central role in national development. However, he cautioned that service quality and equitable territorial access must be improved to address ongoing challenges.

The health reform plan has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the shift of health insurance to the private sector, revealed by the Higher Council of Audit. The report indicated that 74% of compulsory health insurance expenses are directed to private entities, leaving only 26% for public hospitals. Despite these challenges, Morocco aims to develop an inclusive and efficient health system to improve medical care quality and support social and territorial justice, in alignment with the country’s emerging aspirations.

In summary, Morocco’s healthcare reform efforts emphasize digitization, infrastructure enhancement, and workforce expansion, with the goal of improving access to quality medical services. While the plan faces criticisms, particularly concerning health insurance privatization, the government remains committed to ensuring equitable healthcare for all citizens. The successfully implemented projects and continued social health programs present a pathway towards a more inclusive and effective healthcare system in Morocco.

Original Source: www.atalayar.com