Inaugural Meeting of the Casablanca-Settat Health Group Led by Aziz Akhannouch
On June 10, 2023, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch presided over the first board meeting of the Territorial Health Group (GST) in the Casablanca-Settat region. This significant gathering marks the sixth of its kind at the national level, following similar councils established for the regions of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Souss-Massa, Laâyoune-Sakia Al Hamra, and Fès-Meknès.
During the meeting, Akhannouch emphasized that the session was part of the implementation of royal directives aimed at establishing a more accessible healthcare system that provides better quality services and ensures greater equity among the population. He indicated that this council is not merely a formal occasion for passing resolutions, but a strategic orientation moment aimed at transforming the Casablanca-Settat region into a model for the practical application of health reforms.
The meeting featured discussions on the GST's action plan, the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026, and resolutions necessary for launching the Group's activities. Notably, the action plan includes the establishment of efficient regional governance, ongoing upgrades to healthcare infrastructure, and the enhancement of synergy between primary care facilities and provincial, regional, and university hospitals.
Moreover, the council recognized the vital importance of initiating the new university hospital complex project in Casablanca to bolster public healthcare offerings in the region and improve access to health services. The central role of Ibn Rochd University Hospital was also highlighted, as it serves as a national reference institution for specialized care, as well as a key space for training and scientific research.
The Casablanca-Settat region, home to over 7.68 million residents and representing 21% of the Kingdom’s population, boasts a public healthcare system that includes 376 primary healthcare facilities and a hospital network with a capacity of approximately 4,943 beds. This meeting brought together key figures, including the Minister of Health and Social Protection, the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, the Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, the Wali of the Region, the President of the Regional Council, the Director General of GST Casablanca-Settat, and the Director General of the National Social Security Fund.
As reported by telquel.ma.
