Marrakech – Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch chaired a meeting of the national health system reform steering committee on Wednesday in Rabat. The session focused on implementing the strategic healthcare overhaul under royal supervision.
Akhannouch stressed the government’s commitment to establishing an integrated, equitable healthcare system. He pointed out the importance of engaging all stakeholders at the central and regional levels for successful implementation.
The meeting addressed preparations for launching eleven Territorial Health Groups (GST). The government adopted decrees for these groups in December 2025. Officials examined organizational measures needed to establish administrative councils before full implementation begins.
The GST will develop integrated regional medical programs tailored to territorial needs. These groups aim to strengthen healthcare services and improve patient care pathways across regions.
Officials reviewed progress on standardizing health facility information systems nationwide. They also monitored the emergency reform program featuring ten major projects designed to improve service quality and restore confidence in public healthcare.
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The committee tracked hospital upgrade projects across the kingdom. University Hospital Centers in Laayoune and Rabat will be completed this year. Ten additional projects will finish in February, adding 1,430 beds to the healthcare system.
Another ten projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 will provide 1,637 additional beds.
Proximity health center upgrades have reached 81% completion nationwide. Officials have completed upgrades at 1,130 centers, with 1,400 centers expected to be finished by the end of the month. A second phase launching this year will upgrade 1,600 additional centers, with 500 completions planned for 2026.
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, Health Minister Amine Tehraoui, Higher Education Minister Azzedine El Midaoui, and Budget Minister Fouzi Lekjaa attended the meeting. Government secretariat representatives and Social Security Fund Director Hassan Boubrik also participated.
Morocco’s 2026 budget allocates MAD 140 billion ($14 billion) to health and education, marking a 16% increase from 2025. These expansions represent significant capacity increases for Morocco’s hospital network, addressing youth protesters’ demands for improved services across both sectors.
The proposed spending equals roughly 10% of Morocco’s GDP, as the economy recorded 4.8% growth last year. The budget also includes funding to reduce regional inequalities and support candidates under 35 through simplified rules.
