Fès-Meknès launches first regional health governance council
Morocco has taken another step in its healthcare reform agenda with the inaugural board meeting of the Territorial Health Grouping (GST) in the Fès-Meknès region. Chaired by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, the meeting marked the operational launch of a new regional governance model designed to improve healthcare management and service delivery across the region.
The Fès-Meknès GST aims to strengthen the national health system by improving the quality of care, expanding access to medical services and enhancing coordination among healthcare facilities. The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to modernize healthcare governance and bring decision-making closer to regional needs. During the meeting, Akhannouch described the new structure as a key mechanism for building a more efficient and responsive healthcare system capable of addressing local challenges.
The region represents a significant healthcare priority due to its population of nearly 4.5 million residents, accounting for about 12 percent of Morocco’s population. Around 36 percent of inhabitants live in rural areas, creating additional challenges for equitable access to healthcare services. Authorities stressed the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure that medical services are available to residents in both urban and remote communities.
Officials also called for faster implementation of hospital construction and modernization projects included in the national emergency healthcare plan. Fès-Meknès already benefits from a network of 427 primary healthcare and local care facilities. The region also hosts 19 hospital institutions, including five university hospitals and fourteen regional, provincial and local hospitals. The Hassan II University Hospital Center in Fès remains the main referral healthcare institution for the region.
Discussions during the board meeting focused on improving patient care pathways by strengthening coordination between primary healthcare centers and specialized hospitals. The objective is to streamline patient referrals, reduce pressure on overcrowded facilities and improve admission and reception conditions for patients. Under the new system, the GST will oversee coordination of regional healthcare services, management of human and material resources and monitoring of healthcare facility needs.
Participants also emphasized the importance of continuing healthcare infrastructure upgrades, accelerating digital transformation and reinforcing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Particular attention was given to the development of a Regional Medical Program that will serve as a strategic framework for tailoring healthcare services to local requirements while improving quality, continuity and accessibility of care.
The meeting highlighted the central role of healthcare professionals in the success of the reform. Strengthening skills, expanding training opportunities and supporting medical staff remain essential priorities for ensuring that healthcare institutions can meet growing demand while maintaining high standards of service.
Several government and institutional officials attended the session, including the Minister of Health and Social Protection, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, the Delegate Minister in charge of National Defense Administration, as well as representatives of territorial authorities and the Regional Council of Fès-Meknès.
With the launch of the Territorial Health Grouping, Fès-Meknès joins the list of pilot regions implementing Morocco’s healthcare reform strategy, which seeks to build a more effective, equitable and citizen-centered health system.
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