فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
During a public session in the House of Representatives on February 12, dedicated to discussing the President of the Court of Auditors’ report on financial courts’ activities for 2023-2024, Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amin Tahraoui, outlined a comprehensive reform vision aimed at strengthening Morocco’s mental health system. This initiative aligns with royal directives and the government’s commitment to advancing the healthcare sector.
The minister emphasized that mental health is a strategic priority for the ministry, highlighting ongoing efforts to address infrastructure and human resource shortages while expanding healthcare coverage in this critical field. Morocco currently has psychiatric hospitals with a capacity of over 1,350 beds, along with psychiatric units in public hospitals and specialized centers for addiction treatment and school and university mental health services.
Tahraoui acknowledged the significant challenges in the sector, particularly the severe shortage of specialized medical personnel. The country currently has only 655 psychiatrists and 1,700 specialized nurses, an insufficient number given the growing demand for mental health services.
To address these gaps, the minister announced a new strategic plan focused on legal and regulatory reforms. This includes revising the existing legal framework on mental illness prevention and treatment to safeguard patients’ rights and align with international standards. Infrastructure development is also a key aspect, with plans to establish new regional psychiatric hospitals, introduce mobile mental health centers in underserved areas, and implement an advanced digital information system to create a national database for tracking cases and improving healthcare planning.
The reforms will also expand psychological support services and raise public awareness through the establishment of listening and counseling units in schools and workplaces, as well as national campaigns to combat stigma associated with mental health. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance psychiatric training and education by increasing the number of residency positions for psychiatrists and nurses and equipping healthcare professionals with updated skills in psychological treatment.
In his closing remarks, Minister Tahraoui reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a transformative shift in mental healthcare, ensuring equitable access for all citizens through a comprehensive reform plan centered on transparency, improved governance, and enhanced service quality.
source : fesnews media
