General Medicine as a Pillar of Health Equity
In recent remarks, Azeddine Midawi, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, emphasized the critical role of general medicine in achieving health equity. He highlighted that strengthening this area of healthcare is part of a strategic vision aimed at restoring balance to the national health system. Midawi made these statements during the First National Conference on General Medicine, organized by the Moroccan Federation of Practicing Physicians, alongside the Tenth National General Medicine Conference of the Federation of General Practitioners in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. He pointed out that the general practitioner serves as the fundamental link in the treatment pathway, acting as the first point of contact for patients before they are directed to specialized care.
The Minister explained that the focus on general medicine goes beyond merely enhancing healthcare availability; it also encompasses reducing geographic disparities and ensuring a more equitable distribution of health services across regions. He disclosed that the ministry is actively working to establish this specialty as a distinct discipline within the medical training system. In this context, Midawi presented the expansion of the medical training landscape in Morocco through the establishment of university poles and medical colleges in various cities, including Dakhla, Laayoune, Guelmim, Marrakech, Agadir, Beni Mellal, Settat, Fez, Oujda, and Tangier. This initiative aims to bring medical training closer to different regions and foster continuity in medical studies.
Strengthening the Role of General Practitioners
Fatima Azizi, President of the Moroccan Federation of Practicing Physicians, remarked that this conference serves as a platform for exchanging perspectives on the future of medical practice. She asserted that the discussion on reforming the health system cannot proceed without recognizing the vital role of the general practitioner as the "cornerstone" of any balanced health system. Azizi elaborated that general practitioners play a pivotal role in guiding treatment pathways and ensuring continuity of care. She pointed out that international experiences have demonstrated that health efficiency is closely linked to robust primary care systems, where general practitioners are at the center of the framework.
Moreover, Azeddine Kamira, President of the Federation of General Practitioners of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, noted that this conference is part of a collaborative effort to enhance coordination among various stakeholders. He emphasized that general practitioners are today called upon to take a central role in managing the health journey of citizens, from initial diagnosis to treatment follow-up. This conference occurs at a time when the nation is moving towards restructuring its health system, focusing on strengthening primary health care and developing ongoing training, aligning with directives aimed at modernizing the sector and ensuring quality health services for citizens.
As reported by febrayer.com.
