Union urges probe into private clinics as healthcare costs surge in Morocco

The National Union of Labor has called for an urgent investigation into Morocco’s private health sector, accusing some clinics of inflating medical bills, charging illegal fees and profiting from what it described as one of the world’s most expensive drug markets.

In a statement, the union urged governance and oversight bodies to examine closely the rising cost of treatment, medicines and medical supplies. It warned of conflicts of interest and the growing influence of healthcare lobbies within parts of the private sector, arguing that these practices allow certain clinics to generate “huge and unjustified” profits at the expense of patients and the public budget.

The union said inflated invoices in private clinics ultimately harm citizens’ health and safety, particularly as more Moroccans rely on compulsory health insurance coverage. It cautioned that without stronger oversight, public funds risk being drained through overbilling rather than used to improve access to care and service quality.

The call comes amid a long-running public debate over healthcare prices in Morocco. Consumer groups and lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about the high cost of medicines relative to household income, as well as weak price regulation and limited transparency in the private healthcare sector.

Those concerns have intensified with the expansion of compulsory health insurance, which has increased the flow of public money into private clinics.

Beyond healthcare, the union expanded its criticism to labor relations, accusing some employers of systematically undermining workers’ rights.

It said efforts are underway to weaken legal protections in the labor code and restrict trade union activity through disciplinary measures, arbitrary transfers, dismissals of union representatives and administrative obstacles to creating or renewing union offices in both the public and private sectors.

The union warned that social cohesion could be at risk unless authorities take decisive action to address soaring healthcare costs, protect workers’ rights and reduce economic inequality.