Baitas defends Morocco’s health coverage reform amid criticism, cites 17 billion dirhams in reimbursements

Amid growing criticism of Morocco’s social protection system, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas on Thursday defended the scale and intent of the health coverage reform, portraying it as a strategic royal initiative already yielding substantial results.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing following the cabinet meeting, Baitas reaffirmed the executive’s commitment to the rollout of universal medical coverage under the Amo Tadamon scheme.

“This is a clear royal directive,” Baitas stated, stressing that the program launched in the very first year of the government’s term aimed to cover low-income citizens unable to afford contributions. 

Thanks to Law 27.22 and its implementing decree, around 11 million people, including dependents, were integrated into the new system starting in December 2022.

He noted that beneficiaries under Amo Tadamon now receive the same benefits as CNSS-insured individuals, including free public hospital care. By the end of June, over 734,000 medical treatment cases had been processed and more than 12 million reimbursement claims filed. 

“These figures show citizens are trusting the new system,” he said, revealing that reimbursements reached 17 billion dirhams as of March 2025. Medication-related expenses alone rose by 21%, indicating improved access to treatment.

The spokesperson also cited the rapid integration of independent workers into the mandatory insurance regime, made possible through the adoption of 22 decrees. As a result, 1.7 million self-employed workers and 3.9 million of their dependents have joined the system.

Addressing recent public concerns over unjustified exclusions, Baitas clarified that the core 1.7 million figure refers to directly enrolled insured persons, while 3.9 million accounts for dependents, spouses, children, and family members. He also shared updated figures on Amo Chamil, a voluntary plan distinct from the former RAMED and CNSS systems, with 342,000 enrollees to date.

In terms of broader social support, Baitas reported that nearly 34 billion dirhams have been disbursed since December 2023 through various allowances, including monthly child support, birth grants, and lump-sum payments.

While acknowledging minor operational setbacks, Baitas concluded that the government remains fully mobilized around this “strategic national project,” calling it a foundational pillar of Morocco’s public policy architecture and a fulfillment of King Mohammed VI’s vision.