Latest news with #MinistryofHealthandSocialProtection
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Health Ministry Reduces Costs of Key Medications Across Morocco
Rabat – Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection has reduced prices on several important medications, including treatments for mental health conditions, Alzheimer's disease, and hormonal disorders. The decision seeks to make essential medicines more affordable and accessible for patients across the country. Published in the Official Gazette, the price adjustments follow a thorough review of original, generic, and biosimilar drug prices currently available in Morocco. The ministry assessed pricing requests submitted by pharmaceutical companies and recalibrated the costs for the public and hospital sectors. Among the affected medications is Almantin 10 mg, widely used for Alzheimer's treatment. Its price for the general public has dropped from MAD 140.40 ($14.00) to MAD 133.30 ($13.30). The hospital price has been lowered from MAD 87.70 ($8.70) to MAD 83.30 ($8.30). Another significant reduction concerns Dotarem 0.5 mmol/ml, an injectable used in medical imaging. The public price has fallen sharply from MAD 535.00 ($53.50) to MAD 326.00 ($32.60). For hospitals, the price drops from MAD 355.00 ($35.50) to MAD 216.00 ($21.60). These are just some instances among others from the list. These price cuts represent a clear effort to lower healthcare costs, especially for patients who require long-term treatment. The ministry's move also reflects ongoing efforts to regulate pharmaceutical prices and reduce the financial burden on both patients and healthcare providers. These efforts to lower medication prices are commendable and represent a positive step toward improving healthcare access in Morocco. However, many Moroccans continue to struggle with rising inflation, which limits their ability to afford even the reduced prices. For a large portion of the population, essential medicines remain out of reach and points to the urgent need for further measures to make healthcare truly affordable.
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Sends 82-Member Medical Team to Support Pilgrims During Hajj
Rabat – In a ceremony held Monday in Rabat, Health Minister Amine Tahraoui officially welcomed the Moroccan medical mission set to accompany pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season. The mission's sole goal is to ensure Moroccan pilgrims receive proper medical care throughout their stay in the holy sites. The delegation includes 82 professionals, doctors, nurses, and administrators, drawn from both the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Royal Armed Forces' health services. Their task goes beyond standard medical support. They are expected to stand by the pilgrims in moments of need, provide guidance, administer care, and offer reassurance far from home. Minister Tahraoui reminded the medical team of the responsibility they carry, not only as healthcare professionals but as representatives of Morocco. He urged them to approach their mission with integrity, compassion, and a spirit of service. The task ahead, he said, demands more than clinical expertise, it calls for attentiveness, empathy, and a constant readiness to assist. He stressed the importance of early intervention and awareness. Preventive care, he noted, holds equal weight to treatment. He encouraged the team to remain close to the pilgrims, offer guidance, and help prevent health complications before they arise. Their role also involves monitoring existing health conditions, offering psychological support, and reacting promptly to emergencies. Lamiae Chakiri, regional health director for Souss-Massa and head of this year's medical mission, expressed confidence in the team's ability to meet the demands of the pilgrimage. Before departure, regional health offices across Morocco carried out medical screenings and administered vaccinations. An online platform has also been set up to keep pilgrims informed and connected to the health services available to them abroad. The support system does not end with the team. The ministry has deployed medical points in key locations across Mecca and Medina, seven fixed centers and several mobile units. Referral teams will assist pilgrims in hospitals, while awareness teams will offer advice and answer questions. A new digital system will allow doctors to track each patient's medical file in real time and detect any potential outbreaks. To give pilgrims more control over their health, the ministry has prepared individual kits containing portable medical tools, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and glucose meters, alongside face masks and hand sanitizers. As thousands of Moroccans prepare for a physically and emotionally demanding journey, the medical mission stands ready to ensure their safety and well-being. Tags: HajjHajj 2025hajj moroccoHajj season
Morocco World
15-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Accelerates Health Sector Digitalization with Strategic Partnerships at GITEX Africa 2025
Rabat – Morocco is fast-tracking the digital transformation of its healthcare system through two major agreements announced during GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, a premier event for digital innovation across the continent. The event served as a high-level platform for government officials, industry leaders, and digital pioneers. One of the key moments was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG). Speaking to Morocco World News in an official statement, Khalid Safir, Director General of CDG, talked about the strategic importance of this partnership: 'We are making our technical expertise available to the Ministry to develop and implement digital systems, enhance service delivery, and support the overall governance of Morocco's health information ecosystem.' The agreement outlines the creation of a digital innovation lab within the ministry, the design of tailored digital solutions, and the deployment of necessary human and organizational resources, all while maintaining stringent data security standards. The initiative falls in line with Morocco's broader digital transformation agenda. 'It's a partnership that allows us to do what we cannot do alone,' said the Minister of Health and Social Protection, stressing on the significance of collaboration with a trusted institution like CDG. 'We're working with the methods and codes of the digital sector to build a smarter, more efficient healthcare system.' The minister also signed a second agreement with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health, along with the organizers of GITEX Africa 2025, to launch GITEX Future Health Morocco Africa, a new annual event dedicated to e-health and biotechnology. The first edition will take place in Casablanca in April 2026. This new platform aims to position Morocco as a regional and continental hub for health innovation, scientific knowledge, and investment. It reflects a strategic vision to embed digitalization into the country's healthcare infrastructure while attracting global stakeholders to its growing ecosystem. Both agreements are aligned with the structural reforms currently underway in Morocco's health sector, under the directives of King Mohammed VI. They represent more than administrative milestones, they mark a turning point in the way healthcare will be delivered, governed, and evolved in the years ahead. Tags: Gitex HealthGitex partnershipsGITEX2025ministry of health
Morocco World
07-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches National Campaign to Raise Prenatal Care Awarness
Rabat – Morocco launched a nationwide campaign focused on the importance of prenatal care on April 7, running until May 8. The initiative operates under the slogan 'Early and regular pregnancy monitoring…to preserve the health of mother and baby.' The campaign is part of the 2023-2027 Strategy for Social and Behavioral Change developed by Morocco's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The campaign's launch timing coincides with World Health Day on April 7, which focuses on maternal and neonatal health this year. Health officials designed the campaign to build on Morocco's existing progress in prenatal consultation services. These services have proven effective in reducing mother and newborn illness and death rates. The initiative also expands efforts toward other components of the first thousand days of life, recognized as critical for optimal child development. In addition to the awareness campaign, a new online learning platform has been created with World Bank support. This 'Massive Open Online Courses' system focuses on counseling techniques and child development during the crucial first thousand days of life – from conception to age two. The first training cycle for health professionals and community workers begins this month. Read also: Morocco's Court of Audit Reports Critical Gaps in Maternal, Newborn Care Morocco has made significant commitments to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the country's New Development Model. These efforts have resulted in positive results, with maternal mortality dropping by 35% between 2010 and 2016, and neonatal mortality declining by 38% during the same period. The public awareness effort includes television and radio spots in Arabic and Amazigh languages, digital content across social media platforms, and awareness sessions in healthcare facilities and Dar Al Oumouma centers. The campaign also incorporates educational messaging during Friday prayers in the mosque to increase community engagement. Health officials aim to promote optimal health practices during pregnancy and early childhood, building healthier foundations for future generations.
Ya Biladi
05-03-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Morocco sees drop in measles cases as national vaccination campaign expands
Morocco has seen a continued decline in measles cases for the fifth consecutive week, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection's National Epidemiologic Vigilance System (NEVS). A 13% reduction in cases was recorded between February 24 and March 2, 2025, with 2,481 cases reported compared to 2,863 the previous week—a decline of 14.9%. This significant improvement is attributed to the efforts of healthcare professionals nationwide, effective coordination among various stakeholders, and the strong public response to the ongoing national campaign aimed at catching up on missed vaccine doses, reads a press release on Wednesday. In light of these gains, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection has decided to extend the national vaccination campaign until March 28, 2025. The extension will ensure all families have access to essential vaccines, including the measles vaccine, which remains free of charge at all health centers. The ministry urges parents to ensure their children are vaccinated by visiting their nearest health center. While the nationwide decline in measles cases is promising, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance. Disparities in case numbers and vaccination coverage between regions necessitate ongoing efforts to achieve full immunization. The Ministry calls on all citizens to contribute to the national efforts to eliminate measles, reiterating that vaccination is the most effective and efficient way to prevent the disease and its complications while limiting its spread.
