Morocco: Over 70 and suffering from cancer, a clinic demands 5000 DH before hospitalizing him

The septuagenarian learned about two months ago that he had cancer. After beginning his treatment at a public hospital, he turned to a private clinic in Marrakech for chemotherapy, reports Al3omk.

From the very first session, his son says the facility demanded 4500 dirhams upfront. As Brahim did not have that amount, one of his companions allegedly handed over a cheque which, according to the family, is still being held by the clinic.

Yet the patient has medical coverage as well as a document relating to his chronic illness. His relatives therefore believed they would only have to pay any potential out-of-pocket amount. The issue of cheques de garantie réclamés par certaines cliniques privées avait déjà provoqué l’intervention du ministère de la Santé.

On Bladi.net : Cancer Patient Exposes Profit-Driven Practices in Moroccan Private Clinics

At the beginning of August, his condition deteriorated sharply. According to his family, his tests showed a significant decline in his immune defenses. He returned to the same clinic, where his attending physician practices. He was then allegedly asked for another advance of 5000 dirhams before his admission and the examinations.

This time, the family refused to pay. After several discussions, Brahim was ultimately hospitalized without paying the advance. He remained at the facility for four nights.

Three hours of discussion before another hospitalization

Two days after his discharge, his condition deteriorated further. Back at the clinic, his relatives say the same amount of 5000 dirhams was demanded. They refused again. It took about three hours of discussions and the intervention of a manager for the patient to be admitted without prior payment.

After five more nights, another dispute arose at the time of billing. The family says it was asked to pay the out-of-pocket amount as well as another bill of a similar amount. It also says the clinic refused to fill out a form intended for the CNSS for certain consultations and services.

The regulations provide an important clarification. Article 75 of Law 131.13 on the practice of medicine stipulates that, under the third-party payment system, a clinic may not demand from an insured person a cash, cheque or other payment guarantee, except for the amount actually remaining payable by that person. A receipt must also be issued for any amount collected for medical care.

The provincial delegate of the Ministry of Health in Marrakech, questioned by Al3omk, described the demand for an advance as “illegal.” He recalled that patients can report to the ministry any difficulties accessing care and practices they believe contravene the regulations.

On Bladi.net : Cardiac patient denied care Tangier hospital unpaid bill

Private clinics offer another explanation. Redouane Semlali, president of their association, believes that the national reference pricing, dating from 2006, no longer reflects the actual cost of care. He also says that clinics may request guarantees in ordinary situations to secure their receivables, while assuring that no advance payment should delay care when the patient’s life is at risk.

For Brahim, this controversy had very concrete consequences: according to his family, money repeatedly became part of his treatment journey while he was battling cancer. His case revives a sensitive question in Morocco: how far can a private clinic make access to care dependent on a patient’s prior payment when that patient is insured?