Rabat – Access to healthcare is one of the most important factors that is used to determine the quality of living in a given country. Morocco has made considerable strides in this area over the past few years, but access to healthcare is still lacking. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 6% of GDP is spent on healthcare. In spite of this huge expense, there are still many more resources necessary. That being said, there are a few areas that access could be improved, provided the government targets a few specific issues.
Cost of Service
Currently, the government is focusing on providing emergency healthcare services to those in dire need. Even when this is received, citizens have trouble finding follow-up care. For many, the issue is cost. Morocco has higher than average expenses for medication and supplies. Local drug stores pay a higher price for supplies than neighboring countries, and this cost has to be passed on to consumers. One approach to correct this would be to reduce import tax on these supplies. By driving down cost, services could be provided at more affordable rates.
Availability of Mobile Healthcare
The 53 million people who call Morocco home are spread out over almost 700,000 square kilometers. In many areas, businesses are not able to profitably provide local healthcare services. In many nations, mobile health care units are designed to service local areas. Those needing medication, check-ups, or regular assessment would be able to book appointments at scheduled intervals. Preventative healthcare like this is very important and could reduce strain on emergency services. With mobile service, a large area can be covered with little expense, making sure that money is being spent efficiently.
Medical Supplies Produced Locally
Because of Morocco’s growing trade deficit, the cost of imported medical supplies is increasing. That being said, Morocco has many of the resources necessary to produce these supplies locally. A government-run business focusing on producing these goods would create jobs and reduce the cost of medical supplies. Even if the business is non-profit, it could do Moroccan society a world of good.
Accommodate Foreign Investors
One of the advantages of the Moroccan economy is that we are extremely attractive to foreign investors. With low corporate tax rates, a government push may get international health care providers to get services set up in morocco. This would give Morocco resources that are hard to find locally and reduce unnecessary expenditure for emergency services.
Take Advantage of High-Speed Transport
The TGV Tange rwill be one of the effective modes of transport in Morocco. With the inauguration of the the country’s first high-speed train in 2018, high population areas will be connected efficiently. By setting up healthcare hubs close to train stations, local service providers would not need to carry a huge inventory. Citizens needing specific treatments could have it delivered within several hours, provided that it is warehoused somewhere central.
Healthcare Pays for Itself
Considering that the government already has a very large budget, it can seem challenging to get that increased. However, paying for preventative healthcare pays off in the long run. When citizens can be treated early, serious health issues are much less common. An investment in our health is an investment in our future.
