Aïch Leads First Board Meeting of Fès-Meknès Territorial Health Group
On Tuesday, Aïch Affirms presided over the inaugural board meeting of the Fès-Meknès Territorial Health Group in the city of Fès, marking a significant step in the implementation of the national initiative aimed at establishing territorial healthcare groups. This initiative is in direct response to the royal directives aimed at instituting profound and comprehensive reforms within Morocco's national healthcare system.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized that the activation of the Fès-Meknès health group represents a pivotal moment in establishing more effective regional healthcare governance. This move is expected to enhance the quality of healthcare services, making them more accessible to citizens while fostering better coordination among the various components of the healthcare system within the region. Such efforts align with the royal vision for reforming and rehabilitating the health sector.
Affirms pointed out that the Fès-Meknès region holds a unique position within the national healthcare framework, given its population density of approximately 4.5 million residents, accounting for around 12% of Morocco's total population. Notably, the rural population constitutes about 36% of the region's inhabitants, highlighting the critical challenges of reducing geographic disparities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
The Prime Minister called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts and expedite the execution of projects aimed at constructing and upgrading regional and provincial hospitals, as outlined in the emergency plan to enhance healthcare offerings and bring services closer to the local population.
During the meeting, the Director General of the Fès-Meknès Territorial Health Group presented a comprehensive overview of the group's action plan and budget for 2026, as well as its organizational structure. Various decisions were discussed and approved to facilitate effective governance.
This meeting also served as a platform to underscore the importance of organizing treatment pathways within the region, enhancing the integration of primary healthcare with hospitals, and improving patient referrals across different levels of care. These efforts aim to alleviate pressure on certain healthcare facilities and improve the quality of care provided to patients.
The territorial health group is anticipated to play a crucial role in coordinating regional healthcare offerings, monitoring the needs of health institutions, and improving the utilization of human resources and equipment. This approach is grounded in principles of proximity, efficiency, and equity.
Participants stressed the necessity of continuing to upgrade health facilities, accelerating the pace of digital transformation, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These actions are designed to align with the objectives of the national healthcare reform and meet the aspirations of the region's population.
Moreover, the importance of developing and implementing a regional medical program was highlighted as a strategic tool for enhancing healthcare offerings tailored to the region's specific characteristics, ensuring integration among various levels of care, and maintaining continuity and quality.
Human resources remain a cornerstone for the success of this initiative, necessitating ongoing training for healthcare professionals and improved management of competencies to meet the needs of health institutions and ensure sustainable, high-quality healthcare services.
According to data presented at the meeting, the Fès-Meknès region boasts an extensive healthcare network comprising 427 primary healthcare institutions and proximity services, along with a hospital network that includes five university hospitals and 14 regional and provincial hospitals, led by the prestigious Hassan II University Hospital.
The meeting was attended by numerous government and regional officials, including the Minister of Health and Social Protection, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, and the Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense Administration, alongside the Wali of the Fès-Meknès region, the President of the Regional Council, and the Director General of the Fès-Meknès Territorial Health Group.
As reported by agadirtv.ma.
