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Morocco Reports Major Strides in Health Sector and Social Reforms

Morocco Reports Major Strides in Health Sector and Social Reforms

From Hespress · (5h ago) Arabic Positive tone

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Morocco's government highlights significant achievements in the health sector, including a doubling of the health budget and extensive upgrades to health facilities.
  • The number of healthcare professionals per capita has increased, and enrollment in medical and nursing programs has expanded substantially.
  • Progress has also been made in social dialogue, with general wage increases in the public sector and improvements to minimum wage and retirement benefits in both public and private sectors.

Morocco's government, through its spokesperson and Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament, Mustapha Baitas, has presented a robust account of its accomplishments, particularly emphasizing the transformative progress within the health and education sectors, alongside advancements in social dialogue. Baitas asserted that the government's record in healthcare is "very large," underscoring its prioritization within major reform initiatives.

The health sector has received special priority within the major reforms initiated by the government, alongside the reform of the education system.

— Mustapha BaitasMoroccan Minister Delegate Mustapha Baitas highlighting the government's focus on health and education reforms.

The health sector has seen a dramatic increase in its budget, nearly doubling from 19.7 billion dirhams in 2021 to 42.4 billion dirhams by 2026. This financial injection has facilitated the rehabilitation of approximately 1,400 primary health centers, with plans underway to upgrade an additional 1,600. Furthermore, the government is actively expanding university hospital capacity, inaugurating the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Agadir and initiating the construction of five new university hospitals, alongside completing 29 regional and provincial hospitals between 2022 and 2025. These efforts aim to significantly bolster the national health service infrastructure.

The health supply has witnessed remarkable development, with the sector's budget increasing from 19.7 billion dirhams in 2021 to 42.4 billion dirhams in 2026, more than doubling in five years.

— Mustapha BaitasBaitas detailing the significant budget increase for the Moroccan health sector.

Human resources in healthcare have also seen substantial growth. The ratio of health professionals per 10,000 inhabitants has risen from 17 before 2021 to an anticipated 45 by 2030. This expansion is supported by a near doubling of enrollment capacity in medical faculties and a significant increase in seats at nursing institutes. Simultaneously, progress in social dialogue is evident through a general wage increase of 1,000 dirhams for public sector employees, improved family allowances, and enhanced promotions. The average net salary in the public sector has risen, as has the minimum wage, with the total cost of these public sector measures exceeding 48 billion dirhams.

The number of health professionals rose from 17 per 10,000 people before 2021 to 25 in 2025, with expectations to reach 30 in 2026 and 45 by 2030.

— Mustapha BaitasBaitas presenting statistics on the growth of healthcare professionals in Morocco.

Beyond the public sector, reforms extend to the private sphere, including raising the minimum wage and reforming the pension system. Adjustments to income tax have also positively impacted employee earnings. From a Moroccan perspective, these developments represent tangible improvements in the quality of life and public services. While international coverage might focus on the economic figures, for Moroccans, the expansion of healthcare access, the increase in medical professionals, and the improvements in wages and social benefits are direct indicators of governmental effectiveness and a commitment to national well-being. The government's proactive approach in addressing these critical areas showcases a dedication to building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society.

The total cost of measures taken for the public sector exceeded 48 billion dirhams in 2026.

— Mustapha BaitasBaitas quantifying the financial investment in public sector improvements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.