Morocco World News
Fez, March 15, 2012
King Mohamed VI chaired in the Royal Palace of Casablanca on Tuesday the launch ceremony of the system of medical assistance (ramed) destined to benefit about 5.8 million people from disadvantaged social groups, which equals 28 percent of the population.
The generalization of this system comes after a piloting experiment that started in the Tadla-Azilal region back in 2008. The experience targeted mainly the elderly and limited and low income social groups.
In addition to vital and basic medical assistance, the system also includes services provided, support units and medical assistance to the rescue of pregnant women and newborns in rural areas, and increases the funds allocated for the acquisition of medicines and medical equipment and supplies.
The targeted social groups will benefit from this system of health coverage without any discrimination based on age, gender, disease or residential areas, and so will benefit from the treatment offered by public hospitals, public health institutions and health facilities of the state.
The system of medical assistance will allow the beneficiaries access to private hospitals through partnership between public and private sectors to offer the best services and treatment possible.
The people in difficult social position will have to pay an annual contribution of 120 MAD ($15) without exceeding 600 MAD ($85) per family, while those categorized in the situation of poverty will benefit from medical assistance free of charge. The system will also benefit other persons in similar situations, like in penal institutions, charity homes, orphanages and shelters.
While many consider the creation of this system as a milestone on the way of social development and a necessary gain for disadvantaged social groups, there are others who consider it below the expectations of the people who strive for a better life in which medical assistance is just one part of it.
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