Health issue and social inequalities in health in Morocco

Abstract

This article aims to address health issues and attempts to analyze the social inequalities related to health in Morocco. Investing in health is the best way to ensure a long-term economic growth. Furthermore, access to care is an integral component of the rights to health in Morocco, which must be fair and equitable for all social strata of the population. To this end, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Our sample consists of 109 professionals working in the healthcare sector (29 physicians, 46 pharmacists, 11 pharmaceutical companies, 23 public sector officials). The analysis of the results revealed that the healthcare system in Morocco suffers from several constraints and dysfunctions due to several hurdles that this sector has faced since its independence. These health inequalities are also due to many social factors that hinder citizens’ access to healthcare, including differences in living and working conditions, inequality between regions and environments as well as behavioral factors. We suggested several multidisciplinary measures that could be implemented in order to reduce inequality.