Rabat – Youns Bjijou was appointed Morocco’s new Minister of Health and Social Protection on Friday as part of the new government led by Fatima Zahra El Mansouri.
He took the oath of office before King Mohammed VI, alongside other members of the newly appointed government.
Bjijou succeeds Amine Tehraoui, who held the portfolio since October 2024. His appointment comes as Morocco pursues reforms to expand healthcare access, modernize hospital infrastructure, and improve the quality of medical services across the country.
Before his appointment, Bjijou served as managing director of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health (FM6SS), an institution involved in medical education, scientific research, healthcare, and innovation.
In that capacity, he contributed to discussions on the development of integrated healthcare systems and the role of scientific research and technology in addressing health challenges.
In May, Bjijou helped inaugurate the first edition of GITEX Future Health Africa in Casablanca alongside Tehraoui. The event brought together healthcare officials, technology companies, researchers, and investors to explore developments in digital health, artificial intelligence, and hospital systems.
At the event, Bjijou emphasized the need to go beyond investment in hospital infrastructure and develop an integrated healthcare ecosystem that connects education, scientific research, innovation, and equitable access to medical services.
His professional background in the health and science sector could prove relevant as Morocco seeks to translate its healthcare investments into better services for patients.
Healthcare reform agenda
Bjijou takes office amid a broad restructuring of Morocco’s healthcare system. The government faces the challenge of expanding healthcare coverage while addressing disparities in access to medical services between urban and rural areas.
Other priorities include strengthening public hospitals, improving staffing levels, and ensuring that healthcare facilities have the resources to meet growing demand.
Morocco has also pursued digital transformation in the sector, with plans to expand electronic patient records and improve coordination between healthcare institutions.
Bjijou’s experience at the FM6SS may inform his approach to medical training, research, and technological development. However, his specific policy priorities as minister have yet to be outlined publicly.
His appointment also marks a transition from Tehraoui’s tenure, during which the government continued to advance its healthcare modernization agenda.
The coming months will provide a clearer picture of how Bjijou intends to address persistent structural challenges and advance the government’s commitments to healthcare access and quality.
