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Morocco World
3 days ago
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Moves to Lower Medicine Costs, Expand Local Production
Rabat — Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, on Monday presented to the House of Representatives an ambitious reform plan to overhaul the pricing system of medicines. The initiative forms part of the royal project to expand social protection and aims to improve access to affordable healthcare while strengthening Morocco's pharmaceutical sovereignty. Speaking during a question session at the lower house of parliament, Tahraoui outlined the key pillars of the reform, which include a structural revision of Morocco's pharmaceutical policy, expansion of local production, and modernization of supply chains. He stressed that the new pricing model seeks to ensure fairness in access to treatments, support citizens' purchasing power, and maintain the quality and availability of medicines at reasonable costs. The reform is anchored in the framework law 06.22 on the national health system, which establishes a policy guaranteeing the availability, quality, and affordability of health products. Tahraoui noted that drug expenditures continue to weigh heavily on both Moroccan households and public finances, particularly as the mandatory health coverage program has expanded. Between 2022 and 2024, reimbursements for medicines alone rose by 31%, he said. Recognizing these pressures, the government has made revising medicine pricing a strategic priority, balancing social and economic considerations. Over 30 consultation meetings have been held with key stakeholders — including pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacists, and insurers — to reach a consensus on a draft decree. Now in its final stages, the draft is expected to be submitted to the Government Council soon. According to the minister, the proposed model introduces several key measures: shortening the timelines for price reviews, phasing in the changes to preserve market stability, maintaining low prices for essential medicines, and encouraging domestic production. Beyond pricing, the ministry is also launching a series of institutional and technological initiatives to modernize the sector. Tahraoui announced the establishment of the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products, created under law 10.22, which will oversee implementation of the reforms. The agency will also spearhead a digital transformation program, including digitized procedures, the use of artificial intelligence to assess clinical trials, and an integrated electronic platform for monitoring and management. Additionally, a national drug observatory will be set up to monitor prices, anticipate supply shortages, and analyze market trends. To address inefficiencies in the public health supply chain , which has an annual budget of 3.6 billion dirhams, the ministry plans to roll out a unified national logistics platform. This system is designed to reduce waste caused by stockouts and expired medicines and is expected to be deployed gradually over the next 18 months. On the vaccination front, Tahraoui highlighted progress on the 'Marbio' project in Benslimane, which aims to meet 100% of the country's vaccine needs by 2027. Contracts have already been signed to supply three key vaccines — pneumococcal, meningococcal, and hexavalent — with over MAD 1 billion allocated to producing 5.4 million doses between 2025 and 2026. The first batch of locally manufactured vaccines is anticipated before the end of 2025. This comprehensive reform package shed light on Morocco's commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible while fostering a resilient, self-sufficient pharmaceutical sector in line with national development goals. Tags: medicinces pricesmedicines in Moroccopharmaceutical regulation
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Marhaba 2025: Morocco Welcomes 1.5 Million Diaspora Returns
Rabat — Morocco welcomed over 1.5 million diaspora members back home by July 10, marking a significant 13.30% increase compared to the same period last year. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita presented the figures of Moroccans living abroad (MREs) coming back to their country to the Government Council as part of his briefing on the 2025 Marhaba operation. Marhaba operation is Morocco's annual summer program that helps Moroccans living abroad return home for vacation. The numbers tell a compelling story of growing connections between Morocco and its diaspora. Along with the 1,520,951 Moroccan residents abroad (MREs) who returned, officials registered 151,411 vehicles crossing into the country — a 3.56% rise from 2024. The government has intensified its efforts to handle the influx, with the country now processing more than 67,000 Moroccan arrivals daily during peak summer season, with July 14 recording the highest single-day numbers so far. Officials expect this upward trend to continue through the coming weeks as more families complete their summer journeys home. Over the last year, Morocco has significantly boosted its transportation infrastructure to meet growing demand. The maritime plan now includes 29 ships operated by seven different companies, running across 12 routes that connect Moroccan ports with destinations in Spain, France, and Italy. These expanded sea routes can now handle 7.3 million passengers and two million vehicles — a 3% capacity increase from last year's operation. The Marhaba operation reflects Morocco's commitment to maintaining strong ties with its diaspora community, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy through remittances and investments. The program's success demonstrates the enduring bonds between Morocco and the millions of Moroccans who have built lives abroad while maintaining deep connections to their homeland. Tags: DiasporaMoroccan MREsOperation Marhaba 2025
Maroc
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco to Establish Foundation for 2030 World Cup Preparations
Morocco's Government Council on Thursday approved a bill to establish the 'Morocco 2030 Foundation,' a new body tasked with overseeing preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom is co-hosting. Bill No. 35.25, presented by Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, forms part of the implementation of directives issued by HM King Mohammed VI during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting, Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said the Foundation will coordinate and monitor development projects linked to the 2030 World Cup and ensure Morocco meets its commitments under the tournament's specifications. Baitas added that the initiative aligns with HM the King's vision of sport as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development, as well as a driver of youth integration and territorial development. He noted that hosting the 2030 World Cup—alongside other major events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—reinforces Morocco's status as a hub for international events and a meeting point of civilizations. The Morocco 2030 Foundation will adopt a participatory approach involving government bodies, public institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, the Moroccan diaspora, and the broader football community, including African partners, Baitas said. MAP: 10 July 2025
Ya Biladi
11-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Government approves Morocco 2030 body to deliver World Cup vision
The Government Council, which met on Thursday in Rabat, approved draft law 35.25 establishing the Morocco 2030 Foundation. The proposal was presented by Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget. This draft law follows royal directives issued during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024, concerning Morocco's preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030, stated Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, during a press briefing following the meeting. According to Baitas, hosting this global event, alongside other major competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025), reaffirms Morocco's role as a crossroads of civilizations and a leading destination for international events. He added that these tournaments also offer an opportunity to accelerate large-scale development projects across the country, with benefits extending beyond the host cities. It is within this framework that the Morocco 2030 Foundation was conceived. The Foundation will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the execution of various projects to ensure the success of major football competitions, particularly the 2030 World Cup. It will also ensure that the state honors its commitments under the tournament's terms of reference. The entity will operate through a participatory approach, engaging all relevant stakeholders—government agencies, public institutions and enterprises, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, Moroccans abroad, the national football community, and African talents, to achieve its objectives.
Morocco World
26-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Ambitious Public Sector Reform with ONHYM Restructuring
The Moroccan government has approved the transformation of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) into a joint-stock company. This marks the first concrete step in a broader public sector reform agenda. Draft law No. 56.24, adopted by the Government Council today, sets ONHYM on a new path aimed at strengthening strategic efficiency, improving institutional performance, and optimizing national resources. This decision falls in line with Morocco's broader vision which strives to achieve deep reform and address long-standing structural issues in public institutions. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition described the transformation as a strategic shift, placing ONHYM at the center of Morocco's economic and institutional renewal. According to the minister, this reform did not emerge in isolation. It was shaped through collaboration among the Head of Government's Office, ONHYM, her ministry, and the National Agency for the Strategic Management of State Holdings and Monitoring of Public Enterprises' Performance (ANGSPE). The law draws directly from Framework Law No. 50.21 and Law No. 82.20, and seeks to introduce a new governance model for ONHYM. It also opens the door to stronger performance, diversified funding sources, and more effective use of national assets. Benali further noted that this change would boost economic and territorial value and allow the agency to contribute more significantly to Morocco's development goals. Created in 2003 through the merger of two specialized institutions, ONHYM has built a solid base of geoscientific data and technical expertise. It has played a key role in identifying numerous mineral deposits, and now stands to gain more autonomy and financial agility under the new structure. The minister pointed to recent reforms within the energy and mining sectors, including updates to legal frameworks, the withdrawal of inactive permits, increased investment in natural gas, and a push toward digitization and better public service. She said that transforming ONHYM is a natural continuation of these efforts. Under the new model, ONHYM will be allowed to form subsidiaries and take part in the capital of other companies. The state will retain majority voting rights, and employee rights will be preserved. ONHYM will also continue, on a transitional basis, to operate in gas transport and storage. Benali described this shift as a crucial mechanism for repositioning ONHYM within the national economy and linking it more effectively to global value chains. She said the reform supports Morocco's pursuit of energy sovereignty and industrial transformation and aligns with a larger national strategy to improve the performance of over 50 public institutions. This new reform represents a new phase in public investment, national development, and the responsible management of Morocco's strategic assets. As the North African country advances toward energy sovereignty and deeper integration into global value chains, this reform sets a precedent for future public sector transformations. Tags: Moroccomorocco infrastructureMorocco miningONHYM
