The issue of public health has emerged as a central theme in the lead-up to Morocco's legislative elections scheduled for September 23. Just one year ago, the tragic deaths of eight women following cesarean sections at the regional hospital in Agadir highlighted significant deficiencies within the healthcare system, fueling the GenZ 212 protest movement. Despite the government's attempts at reform, access to quality healthcare continues to be a pressing concern for many Moroccans.
According to reports from our correspondent in Casablanca, Matthias Raynal, the situation on the ground is dire. Mariam, a woman anxiously waiting outside the Ibn Rochd University Hospital for updates on a relative who is in a coma due to a road accident, expressed her fears about the exorbitant costs of medical treatments. "We are terrified of being asked to pay an outrageous sum for surgery. In such cases, you either find the money or the patient remains untreated; there is no alternative," she lamented. She noted that many individuals in similar predicaments are forced to seek charitable donations to cover their medical expenses.
Mariam's relative, unfortunately, lacks mandatory health insurance, which means they are not eligible for any reimbursement, and she views the care provided as woefully inadequate. "If you enter the hospital, you will witness unimaginable scenes: people lying on the floor, one individual has an open abdomen, another is missing a limb, and there is blood everywhere... Inside, it's a catastrophe," she testified.
Political Promises Amid Public Health Concerns
As the September elections approach, all major political parties in Morocco have pledged to enhance public health services, particularly concerning infrastructure and personnel. However, none have clearly outlined the specifics or financial commitments for these initiatives. Hamid, a 19-year-old who visited the university hospital for a jaw fracture, reported a somewhat positive experience, explaining, "I saw a doctor and had an X-ray; it was manageable. The problem lies in the lack of organization." Nevertheless, when asked to choose between public hospitals and private clinics, he quickly stated, "I would prefer the private sector. The care is significantly better there." This sentiment reflects a broader trend in Morocco, where private clinics have been expanding rapidly, with their numbers rising nearly 30% between 2017 and 2024.
As reported by rfi.fr.
