Fostering Regional Health Governance
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch presided over the inaugural board meeting of the regional health group for the Fes-Meknes region in the city of Fes. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to implement the royal directives aimed at comprehensive reform of the national health system. During his opening remarks, Akhannouch emphasized that the establishment of this regional health group marks a significant step towards enhancing health governance that is more effective and accessible to citizens. This reform is pivotal for improving the quality of health services and strengthening coordination among various health institutions within the region.
Addressing Health Disparities and Infrastructure Needs
The Prime Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the Fes-Meknes region within the national health framework, which is home to approximately 4.5 million residents, accounting for 12 percent of the country's population. Notably, around 36 percent of its inhabitants live in rural areas, underscoring the urgent need to bring health services closer to these communities and ensure equitable access to treatment. Akhannouch urged stakeholders to expedite the implementation of projects aimed at building and upgrading regional and provincial hospitals, which are part of the urgent action plan to bolster health offerings and enhance services provided to the public.
The Fes-Meknes region boasts a substantial health network, including 427 primary health care facilities and a hospital network comprising five university hospitals and 14 regional, provincial, and local health institutions, with the Hassan II University Hospital in Fes leading the way. During the council meeting, the general director of the regional health group presented the institution's work program and proposed budget for 2026, along with an organizational structure project and several resolutions that were discussed and approved.
This meeting also served as a platform to reinforce the importance of organizing treatment pathways within the region, enhancing integration between primary health care and hospital services, and improving patient referrals across different healthcare levels. This approach aims to alleviate pressure on certain health institutions while elevating the quality of care and services provided.
Participants stressed the need to continue upgrading health infrastructure, accelerate the pace of digital transformation, and enhance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. They also emphasized the preparation and execution of a regional medical program as a crucial tool for tailoring health services to the region's specific characteristics and improving the continuity and quality of health services. The council affirmed that human resources remain the cornerstone of this transformation, necessitating the development of health professionals' skills and improving human resource management to meet the needs of health institutions and ensure the quality of care provided to citizens.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
