Public Health as a Fundamental Right in the Political Arena
In a significant move as the 2026 legislative elections approach, Abdelkrim Benatiq, a former minister and the candidate for the Union Socialist Party of Popular Forces (USFP) in the Ocean district of Rabat, hosted a pivotal party meeting focused on public health. This event took place on Sunday at the party's regional headquarters, gathering a diverse audience of health professionals including doctors, pharmacists, technicians, and nurses, all of whom were encouraged to rally for the upcoming elections scheduled for September 23. Benatiq emphasized the belief that health is a fundamental right rather than a privilege, highlighting the urgent necessity for adequate care and medical coverage, which he deemed meaningless without sufficient healthcare services.
Benatiq's discourse was echoed by other socialist leaders present, including Dr. Khadija Ganyane, a candidate on the USFP's women’s regional list, and Hassan Lachgar, the outgoing MP representing the party in the Chellah district. They collectively underscored the critical importance of health services for all citizens, asserting that the current ruling majority had misused the concept of a "social state" while millions remain outside the realms of social and medical coverage. Their call to action was clear: engage citizens to participate massively in the electoral process, which they argued is the pathway to securing a better future.
Health Care as a Political Priority
Benatiq described the September 23 elections as an opportunity for citizens to express their power and influence in shaping public policy, particularly in healthcare, which he labeled as a top priority for the USFP. He urged party members to foster hope among the electorate and to reinforce their role as defenders of the populace's rights. The Ocean district, often referred to as a challenging battleground due to the presence of numerous political heavyweights, including candidates from various other parties such as Mehdi Bensaid of PAM and Mustapha El Khalfi of PJD, will be a crucial area of focus for the USFP as it seeks to reclaim its historical commitment to public services and social equity.
By positioning public health at the forefront of its electoral campaign, the USFP aims to reignite its core principles while addressing the pressing needs of citizens in highly competitive electoral districts like Ocean and Chellah. The emphasis on healthcare could potentially become a significant point of contention among leftist parties, the ruling majority, and other opposition forces as the elections draw near.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
