In a significant step toward reinforcing the national health system, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch convened the inaugural board meeting of the regional health group for the Fès-Meknes region in the city of Fès on Tuesday. This initiative aligns with royal directives aimed at enhancing health governance and making care more accessible to citizens.
Strengthening Regional Health Governance
During the meeting, Akhannouch emphasized that the establishment of the regional health group marks a pivotal moment in achieving effective local health governance. This development is expected to enhance the quality of health services and ensure they are closer to the population, while also fostering better coordination among various health institutions within the region.
The Fès-Meknes region holds particular importance in Morocco’s health landscape, home to nearly 4.5 million residents, or about 12% of the national population. Notably, rural inhabitants constitute around 36% of the region’s demographic, underscoring the critical challenge of promoting equitable access to healthcare.
Accelerating Healthcare Infrastructure Projects
Akhannouch urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to expedite the construction and upgrading of regional hospitals. These projects are part of an emergency plan aimed at strengthening health service offerings and improving access for citizens. According to data presented during the meeting, the Fès-Meknes region boasts 427 primary healthcare facilities and a hospital network that includes five university hospitals and 14 regional and provincial hospitals, with the Hassan II University Hospital in Fès at the forefront.
During the session, the director of the regional health group outlined the organization’s work plan and budget for 2026, discussing its organizational structure and several key decisions that were reviewed and approved.
Enhancing Patient Care Pathways
The meeting also reiterated the importance of refining treatment pathways within the region, aiming to integrate primary healthcare services with hospital facilities. This strategy seeks to enhance patient direction, reduce pressure on certain healthcare facilities, and elevate the overall quality of care provided to patients.
Participants stressed the crucial role of the regional health group in coordinating health service delivery, assessing the needs of health institutions, and improving the management of human resources and available equipment. This approach is designed to be close to the community, efficient, and equitable.
Furthermore, the attendees highlighted the need to continue modernizing health infrastructure, accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, all in line with the objectives of the national health reform and the expectations of the Fès-Meknes populace.
Focus on Human Resources Development
The participants also acknowledged that human resources remain a cornerstone for the success of this transformation. Continuous professional development for healthcare workers and optimizing managerial competencies are essential to meet the needs of health institutions and ensure the sustainability of services provided to citizens.
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 Fès-Meknes region, the Chair of the Regional Council, and the Director General of the regional health group.
As Morocco navigates these health reforms, the ongoing commitment of all stakeholders will be vital to achieving a robust, equitable, and effective healthcare system for all residents.
