Rabat – Morocco’s Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) has warned that the success of the country’s plan to expand universal health coverage depends on securing sufficient and sustainable funding.
In a recent opinion on draft law No. 54.23, which amends the framework for mandatory basic health insurance, the council stressed the need for bold public policies to support the reform.
It called for boosting investment, creating jobs, and achieving higher economic growth, while also addressing the challenges of the informal sector through better regulation, training programs, and financial inclusion strategies.
The council spoke about the importance of preserving and strengthening mutual insurance organizations, and recommended the introduction of complementary health coverage and expanding the role of mutual associations. It also called for improving preventive healthcare services, health education, and social support for insured individuals.
CESE proposed establishing unions and a national federation of mutual organizations to improve governance, alongside updating the legal framework governing the sector. It also recommended treating workplace accidents and occupational diseases as separate risks under social security to ensure coverage for all workers, including the self-employed.
The council further suggested setting an annual national spending target for health insurance and social protection, to be approved by parliament as part of the finance law. This would help control rising costs and improve accountability.
Among other recommendations, CESE called for reinstating health coverage for students or introducing automatic coverage for vulnerable students, including orphans and those whose parents lack insurance.
The council also noted the need for a unified national system to manage health insurance, while ensuring strong cybersecurity protections and compliance with data privacy regulations. It also stressed patients’ rights to access their medical data and called for the creation of a digital support system for those less familiar with technology.
