Al-Tahrawi Settles the Debate: “Supporting Private Clinics Is Not a Priority Unless It Adds Value to Public Health”
Express TV: Mustafa Filali
In the midst of the controversy surrounding the cancellation of investment subsidies directed towards private clinics, Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amin Al-Tahrawi, clarified his position on this sensitive issue. He emphasized that his decision does not signify a break with the private sector, but rather a call to reassess the relationship between the state and the sector and to regulate mechanisms of support and incentives in a way that serves the public interest.
During his appearance on a program broadcast by Channel Two on Monday night, Al-Tahrawi explained that a number of requests for investment incentives had been submitted to the National Investment Committee. He indicated that these requests do not fall under the Ministry of Health’s jurisdiction, and are evaluated by a specialized governmental committee based on their potential to create job opportunities and generate added value.
The minister noted that, in his capacity as a sectoral responsible, he attended the committee’s sessions and reviewed seven investment requests in the private health sector, confirming that some of these requests had indeed been studied and received preliminary approval. However, he called for caution and a reevaluation of the relationship with this sector, especially regarding incentives for investment in private clinics.
Al-Tahrawi stressed that public support should be directed towards projects that genuinely serve the public good. He pointed out that the private health sector already benefits from “Solidarity Funds,” which cover patient treatment costs through the National Social Security Fund, making it an indirectly incentivized sector.
He affirmed that the private sector can play a supportive role for the public sector, particularly in remote and underserved areas, where it is challenging for the state alone to meet all needs. However, this must be under clear conditions, such as not employing doctors who work in public hospitals, or establishing private health institutions next to university hospitals to attract their human resources and patients.
The minister considered that there is no fundamental disagreement with the private sector; indeed, its investment in the health domain has existed for years but has accelerated significantly in recent times alongside the launch of social protection initiatives and the expansion of compulsory health insurance, leading to increased demand for health services in both the public and private sectors.
In conclusion, Al-Tahrawi confirmed that his rejection of several support requests does not indicate opposition to the private sector or a limitation of its activities, but is a direction towards rationalizing public investment and ensuring it aligns with the real priorities of citizens and the healthcare system as a whole.
