Moroccan Health System Struggles Under Pressure, Expert Calls for Overhaul

Making the distinction between the reform and the overhaul of the health system announced by King Mohammed VI in 2018, Heikel indicated, in an interview with Maroc Hebdo, that many reforms have been undertaken in the kingdom for years. Except that the expected result is not achieved. Even if several advances have been recorded, in particular the improvement of maternal and child health, the strengthening of vaccination coverage and the fight against communicable diseases, the system has not been able to ensure universal access to health care for Moroccan citizens, he deplored.

Even the results of the Ramed regime introduced in 2012 have not lived up to expectations. This situation has rather led to an extension of the time for diagnosis and consultation appointments, pushing 20 to 25% of Ramedists to turn to the private sector, despite their low purchasing power. In the opinion of the specialist, it is not only the State that has failed to achieve certain objectives, but also the public policies engaged for a few years in the health sector, further degraded by the Covid-19 crisis.

However, the health professional shares the suggestions of the Minister of Health, provided that this is in line with the request of King Mohammed VI. Thus, the overhaul must be based mainly on the reorganization of the ministry at the national and regional levels, the real implementation of universal health coverage accessible to all, the improvement of access to public medical faculties...

Jaafar Heikel stressed that the presence of foreign doctors should not be a priority since, with good organization and quality cooperation, internal doctors can do the job. Although several achievements have been made in the kingdom in the health field, several efforts remain to be made in the social, economic, human and health fields for a better future for the country, concluded the health professional.