Laayoune and Guelmim university hospitals transform healthcare in southern Morocco

Wednesday 04 - 11:30

By: Sahili Aya

Laayoune and Guelmim university hospitals transform healthcare in southern Morocco

Morocco is reinforcing its hospital network in the southern provinces with the construction of new university hospitals (CHU) in Laayoune and Guelmim, marking a key step in the country’s healthcare reform initiated under royal guidance in 2021.

By the end of 2025, around 40 hospital projects were underway nationwide, adding over 4,700 beds, alongside 24 priority projects for 2025–2026 (2,273 beds), and 20 projects scheduled for 2027 (2,430 beds). In parallel, a national program is rehabilitating 83 existing hospitals with a budget of 3.3 billion dirhams, while five new CHUs aim to provide every region with a reference-level medical facility.

The Laayoune CHU, the first in Morocco’s southern provinces, is nearing completion. Covering more than 180,000 m², including 95,000 m² of indoor space, and equipped with 500 beds, it will serve over 451,000 residents. Facilities will include integrated medical-surgical departments, emergency care, medical imaging, cardiology, nephrology, mental health, pediatrics, mother-and-child health, and day surgery services. The design prioritizes comprehensive care, reducing the need for patients to travel to central regions for specialized treatment.

Similarly, the Guelmim CHU is being developed on 14 hectares, with 44,000 m² of built space and room for future expansion. It will offer 376 beds and meet international standards with surgical, mother-and-child, emergency, intensive care, imaging, and laboratory services. Both projects emphasize coordination among contractors and a focus on timely completion.

These CHUs not only enhance regional healthcare access but also align with Morocco’s broader development strategy for the south, supporting medical training, socio-economic growth, and reducing territorial disparities. By bringing modern medical infrastructure closer to citizens, Morocco strengthens its healthcare sovereignty while reshaping the national hospital landscape.