فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
According to informed sources, the file concerning the corruption study in Morocco’s health sector is tainted by a clear conflict of interest surrounding the contract for conducting this sensitive study. The American-French firm Forvis Mazars, which won the contract, is the same financial consulting and auditing office for “Akdital”, one of the largest private health sector players in Morocco. Their contractual relationship with the company extends until December 31, 2026, with an option to renew for an additional six years.
These sources raise profound questions about the independence and impartiality of the study, asking how a firm commercially linked to a major sector actor can objectively monitor structural deficiencies and corruption within the very system that one of its clients belongs to.
They clarify that this conflict of interest not only compromises the principle of neutrality but also casts doubt on the integrity of the entire process, especially where financial and professional data—supposed to remain confidential and secure—intersect. The concerns extend to the potential exchange of sensitive information between the firm and its clients, which could affect the accuracy and credibility of the expected study results.
Further heightening the sensitivity, this study is not just an economic report or strategic analysis but a highly sensitive dossier addressing the core corruption issue in a critical health sector that ignited widespread protests.
These concerns arise amid broad awareness of the substantial profits earned by the “Akdital” group in Morocco’s private health sector, its ongoing dealings with the government, and its strong presence in hospitals and clinics, making the matter one of national importance requiring contract transparency and study independence that aligns with reform efforts.
It is worth noting that the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention, and Fight Against Corruption initiated a comprehensive 2025 study aiming to produce a “Corruption Risk Map” in the health sector, with an estimated budget close to 2.5 million Moroccan dirhams. The study targets evaluating corruption degrees in both public and private sectors and is supervised by a specialized team to ensure accuracy and objectivity. It focuses on analyzing the patient journey, medical supply chains, and corruption practices inside private clinics.
Overall, the raised conflicts of interest showcase significant challenges facing reform and transparency efforts in Morocco’s health sector, requiring strict standards to guarantee study integrity and maintain public trust in government and institutions.
Tender No. 07/2025, issued by Morocco’s National Authority for Integrity, Prevention, and Fight Against Corruption (INPPLC), is a critical initiative aiming to enhance transparency and integrity in the health sector. The tender focuses on producing a comprehensive study mapping corruption risks in three key sub-fields: the patient journey, the medical product supply chain, and the private health sector. This aligns with the national anti-corruption strategy, seeking to diagnose risks and establish effective preventive measures in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and various stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society.
Main Objectives
- Diagnose corruption risks in the specified sub-sectors.
- Develop detailed risk maps for each area.
- Formulate practical strategic recommendations for managing and preventing these risks.
- Strengthen cooperation between government entities and the private sector for effective implementation.
Timeline
The tender allows a total of 210 days for completion, divided into five key phases:
- Study framing (30 days) — establishing the reference framework.
- Diagnosis (30 days) — analyzing the current situation.
- Data collection and analysis (90 days).
- Corruption risk mapping (30 days) — mapping risks per area.
- Strategic recommendations formulation (within overall timeline) — proposing actionable guidance.
The bid opening was scheduled for September 26, 2025, at the authority’s headquarters in Rabat.
Budget and Funding
The estimated cost is approximately 2,490,000 Moroccan dirhams (~2.5 million). The tender requires a provisional guarantee of 50,000 dirhams and is financed within INPPLC’s budget, with emphasis on transparent public fund management.
Eligibility and Submission
Competitors must comply with articles 28, 30, 31, 32, and 135 of the Authority’s procurement rules and public contracts legislation. Submissions are exclusively electronic through the public procurement portal as specified by the delegated minister’s decision from June 2023. The tender is open price-wise, and the winner will execute the five delineated phases.
Authority Commitments and Additional Information
The Authority commits to providing technical data, facilitating contact with its departments, and appointing a project officer. Official documents include the special specifications (CPS). The Authority supervises the study including preparation of the reference framework.
Current Status: Suspension
On October 15, 2025, the Authority announced a temporary suspension of the service commencement order due to media-exposed allegations of conflicts of interest involving the awarded party. The suspension aims to ensure transparency and equality based on constitutional and international standards. The file was referred to the National Public Procurement Commission for resolution, with a thorough investigation underway. The Authority will announce the final decision based on the results, underscoring its commitment to credibility and integrity principles.
Strategic National Context
The tender is part of Morocco’s national anti-corruption strategy, including projects like P4.04-a focused on mapping corruption risks in health and managing them. It integrates with Objective 12 on continuous integrity diagnosis, linking the Authority and health services to implement the reference framework. The study’s results are proposed to merge with other sectoral assessments to adjust strategies. The 2019-2020 plan featured ministry participation in priority projects with recommendations on governance and periodic monitoring.
Source: “فاس نيو”
