The University of Mohammed V in Rabat has unveiled its third white paper titled “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare in Morocco: Reality, Stakes, and Recommendations.” This initiative aims to foster national discourse on the future of digital health and the effective integration of artificial intelligence technologies within the healthcare system.
A Collaborative Effort
This publication is the result of a collaborative effort involving Moroccan and international experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, and representatives from both public and private institutions. Additionally, stakeholders from digital sectors, startups, and civil society contributed to formulating a practical vision grounded in the sector’s needs and global best practices.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Ismail Qassou, the Vice President of Mohammed V University responsible for research, innovation, and partnerships, emphasized that the white paper is a significant scientific contribution that transcends academic confines. He believes it offers foresight into the future of the healthcare system amid rapid digital transformation. Qassou underscored the role of Moroccan universities in adapting to technological advancements and harnessing scientific research for public policy.
The Promise of Artificial Intelligence
Qassou pointed out that artificial intelligence opens new horizons for more precise and effective medicine. It can enhance diagnostic quality, expedite biomedical research, improve the operational efficiency of healthcare institutions, and bolster preventive programs while assisting medical professionals in making clinical decisions.
Data Protection Concerns
Omar Sagrouchni, head of the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data, highlighted that protecting health data doesn’t equate to limiting its circulation. Instead, it assures that data is processed in compliance with legal and ethical standards throughout its lifecycle. He noted that since 2020, prioritizing health data has been essential, with initiatives aimed at developing a national identifier infrastructure, improving impact assessment mechanisms for data processing, and collaborating with health authorities and security agencies to ensure the ethical use of health data.
A Strategic Roadmap
Ibrahim Lakhil, General Director of the Regional Health Group in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, remarked that the white paper serves as a strategic roadmap for the responsible, ethical, and sustainable use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. He asserted that this technology is essential for enhancing healthcare quality, improving institutional effectiveness, and addressing citizen expectations.
Project head Anas Dakali expressed confidence that Morocco has the potential to become a regional reference in utilizing artificial intelligence in healthcare, provided that principles of digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and effective data governance are firmly established.
This release follows a series of previous white papers initiated by the University’s eHealth Innovation Center. The first addressed the realities and challenges of eHealth, while the second focused on digitization, data exchange, and interoperability in the healthcare system. The third installment specifically examines the role of artificial intelligence in developing a sophisticated national digital health framework.
