On Tuesday, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch presided over the inaugural board meeting of the regional health group in the Fes-Meknes region, a significant step in the ongoing implementation of the national initiative aimed at establishing regional health groups. This initiative is in line with the royal directives focused on instituting comprehensive and profound reforms within the national healthcare system.
At the beginning of the meeting, Akhannouch emphasized that activating the regional health group in Fes-Meknes represents a crucial milestone in the journey towards establishing more effective and accessible regional healthcare governance. This effort aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services and bring them closer to citizens, while also strengthening coordination among various health institutions within the region. Such developments are consistent with the royal vision aimed at reforming and upgrading the national healthcare framework.
The Prime Minister pointed out the unique position that Fes-Meknes holds within the national healthcare system, noting that its population exceeds 4.5 million, which accounts for approximately 12% of the country's total population. Furthermore, the region has a significant rural population, representing about 36% of its inhabitants. He highlighted that enhancing equitable access to medical care and improving healthcare services proximity to citizens remain key challenges of this reform initiative.
Akhannouch urged all stakeholders and relevant parties to double their efforts and expedite the implementation of projects for constructing and upgrading regional and provincial hospitals as part of an urgent plan aimed at enhancing health offerings and bringing services closer to the region's residents.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office received by Hespress, the Fes-Meknes region boasts an important healthcare infrastructure, which includes 427 primary healthcare facilities and a network of hospitals comprising five university hospitals and 14 regional and provincial hospitals, topped by the Hassan II University Hospital in Fes.
During the meeting, the General Director of the regional health group in Fes-Meknes presented the group's work plan and budget for the year 2026, alongside its organizational structure and several draft resolutions that were discussed and approved.
The session served as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of organizing treatment pathways within the region, enhancing the integration between primary healthcare services and hospitals, and improving mechanisms for patient referrals among various care levels. This approach is expected to alleviate pressure on certain healthcare facilities and to enhance the quality of care provided to patients.
In this context, the pivotal role of the regional health group in coordinating regional health offerings, monitoring the needs of health institutions, and optimizing the use of available human resources and equipment was underscored. This is to be achieved through a strategy focused on proximity, efficiency, and regional equity.
Participants also emphasized the necessity of continuing efforts to upgrade healthcare infrastructures, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These actions align with the goals of national healthcare reform and respond to the aspirations of the Fes-Meknes population.
The meeting also stressed the importance of preparing and implementing a regional medical program as a fundamental tool for developing health offerings according to the region's specificities. This ensures the integration of various care levels and enhances the continuity and quality of healthcare services provided to citizens.
In this regard, it was emphasized that human resources remain a crucial lever for the success of this transformation. Efforts must continue to qualify and mobilize health professionals and improve the management of competencies within the region, aligning with the needs of health institutions and contributing to the sustainability and quality of healthcare services.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, the Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, the Wali of the Fes-Meknes region, the President of the Fes-Meknes Regional Council, and the General Director of the regional health group in Fes-Meknes.
As reported by hespress.com.
