Nearly three-quarters of Moroccans worry about being unable to obtain or afford medical care, but fewer than half support higher taxes to guarantee healthcare for everyone, according to a new Afrobarometer study.
The policy paper, published Sept. 28 and based on surveys across 38 African countries, found that 48% of Moroccan respondents supported universal healthcare even if financing it required higher taxes. That compares with a continental average of 70% and places Morocco second-lowest in the survey, ahead only of Mauritius at 45%. Tunisia recorded 77% support and Mauritania 71%.
The reluctance comes despite high financial anxiety around healthcare. In Morocco, 73% said they worried “somewhat” or “a lot” that they or a family member would be unable to obtain or afford treatment when needed.
Experience with public facilities was also mixed. Among Moroccans who had used a public clinic or hospital during the previous year, 46% said obtaining care was easy or very easy, while 54% described it as difficult.
Afrobarometer found across the continent that support for tax-funded healthcare tended to rise when citizens trusted health institutions and rated government service delivery positively, while perceptions of corruption in tax administration reduced willingness to pay more.
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