Casablanca – The Moroccan government launched a major project to improve access to health care by 8.5 million poor people or 28% of the population.
At a ceremony in Casablanca presided over by King Mohammed VI accompagnied by the Prime Minister Abdelillah Benkirane, the minister of health El Hossein El Ouardi outlined the details of the project called Ramed which will cost the government about 300 million euros in 2012.
“the project is based on the principal of social assistance and national solidarity in favour of the poorer population that does not enjoy any compulsory medical insurance cover”, said the minister adding that Ramed is a major challenge “aimed at improving conditions of access to health care by a certain category of the population in conformity with the new constitution” adopted on 1 July 2011.
This medical care plan, launched in November 2008 as an experiment in the Tadla-Azilal region benefit all including the 8.5 million underprivileged people, the 160,000 prisoners, the homeless and the orphans.
The beneficiaries can use 2,581 health institutions for basic health care, including 2,030 health centers, 12 regional hospitals and 19 university hospital centers. Also listed is the creation of 80 equipped medical units, the organisation of specialised medical caravans and mobile medical units. The Ramed plan beneficiaries are covered with no discrimination on the basis of age, sex, pathological antecedents or areas of residence.
The new project will reduce social disparities and will benefit the marginalised and the underprivileged in the Moroccan society.