Moroccan Press: Medical Reference Tariffs Drain Citizens' Pockets Amidst Other Grievances

Moroccans are bearing the brunt of escalating medical costs, with stagnant reference prices for medical services leaving citizens to cover a significant portion of their healthcare expenses. The Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection revealed that citizens shoulder approximately 60% of treatment costs, while social security and insurance reimbursements cover only about one-third. This situation persists despite a ministerial acknowledgment in October 2025 that the national reference tariff, unchanged since 2006, no longer reflects current realities. Although the Ministry of Social Protection announced meetings with the National Social Security Fund to revise the tariff and restore balance, the issue remains unresolved, directly impacting citizens' finances.

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The national reference tariff adopted since 2006 no longer suits the current reality.

The "Rassif Al Sahafa" (Press Pavement) section of Hespress also highlighted other pressing issues. Travelers arriving at Meknes train stations face extortion from taxi drivers who demand fares outside the meter, refusing to carry multiple passengers. In Marrakech, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights protested the collective dismissal of 46 workers from the Bab Doukkala bus station, coinciding with the opening of a new station. The association condemned this as a serious attack on economic and social rights, highlighting the vulnerability of employees to unilateral decisions that disregard legal and human dignity.

Furthermore, data from the Moroccan Center for Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance indicated a significant number of venomous encounters in 2025, with 20,583 scorpion stings and 405 snakebites recorded. While scorpion stings are more common, snakebites pose a greater risk due to higher mortality rates if prompt treatment is not administered. The Moroccan Association of Professionals Fighting Rats, Insects, and Reptiles has called for increased awareness and prevention efforts, urging reliance on professional, specialized services.

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This is not just a labor dispute, but a serious attack on economic and social rights, and a worrying indicator of the fragility of employee protection against unilateral decisions that disregard law and human dignity.

Finally, a promotional video for a documentary by the "Global Steadfastness Fleet" platform, which claims to support the Palestinian cause, has angered Moroccans. The video promotes misinformation about the Polisario Front, portraying Morocco as an occupier and the Polisario as a victim, while attempting to link the Palestinian cause with what it calls the "ambiguity" of the "Sahrawi people's cause." Moroccans have demanded the withdrawal of the video and an apology for the alleged falsehoods that undermine Moroccan sovereignty.

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We will continue to strengthen operational presence to prevent crimes and apprehend those who affect the tranquility of Nezahualcoyotl families.