The World Bank has approved a $450 million loan to support Morocco’s health reforms.
“Morocco is currently implementing one of the most ambitious and comprehensive health system reforms in the world, demonstrating its commitment to developing human capital,” the bank announced today.
The World Bank recalled Morocco’s plans to improve health outcomes and the quality of health services, saying that this support will help make the health care system in the North African country “more inclusive.”
Emphasizing the importance of the health sector, the bank’s director for the Maghreb and Malta Jesko Hentschel said that the new loan will make it possible to establish foundations of a health system that is able to measure and improve access to care and the quality of services for all.
The loan seeks to help Morocco implement several objectives, including expanding training to build the capacity of health professionals, as well as expanding health services in areas needing similar reforms.
Health economist and program manager at the bank Denizhan Duran also emphasized the importance of the loan, stressing that the reforms will improve health outcomes as well as bring economic benefits to all by “improving health service” and patient experience.
Many reports have highlighted the shortages and challenges Morocco’s health system is facing.
One of the latest reports highlighting the need for reforms emerged earlier this month, showing the health sector as one of the areas facing major challenges.
The report from Aab Barometer said that as little as 23% of Moroccans were “completely” satisfied with the health system in 2022.
The number is below the MENA average, the report said, reflecting a series of challenges that many institutions listed.
In 2022, the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) said that among the biggest concerns in the sector is the cost that Moroccan families have to bear when seeking treatment, with 50% to 63% of the costs usually falling on the shoulders of patients.
The council also put emphasis on the brain drain challenges, stressing that up to 14,000 doctors from Morocco left the country to work abroad.
