The Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection has denied reports of plans to decentralize salaries for employees of territorial health groups. According to a source close to the ministry, there is no intention to reverse the centralized wage system for these employees. The ministry emphasized the importance of distinguishing between developing regional management of health institutions and fulfilling commitments to employees. The reform aims to improve governance and bring management closer to regional needs while maintaining professional stability and continuity of health services.
During a presentation of the ministry's budget project before the Social Sectors Committee in the House of Representatives, Health Minister Professor Youns Belkouchou highlighted that the human element is crucial to the success of any reform project. He emphasized the role of social dialogue in accompanying the reform and improving the working conditions of health professionals. The 2027 budget project includes the creation of 8,000 financial positions, including 2,600 for territorial health groups.
The guarantees provided by the ministry are based on the provisions of Law No. 08.22, which stipulates the transfer of concerned employees to territorial health groups while ensuring their rights and benefits. The law also ensures that employees' participation in retirement funds continues. This development is an extension of the agreement signed between the government and unions on July 23, 2024, which confirmed the preservation of public employee status and rights.
The agreement also ensured that salaries would continue to be paid from the general budget through the General Treasury, with permanent financial positions provided. Subsequent texts have supported this commitment, with the 2025 Finance Law stipulating that the general budget will continue to bear salaries. The implementing decrees have also confirmed that the Treasury will continue to process and disburse salaries to guarantee centralized payment.
A ministry source confirmed that the implementing decrees have settled the issue of the general budget bearing the salaries of territorial health group employees, and the matter is no longer a concern. The Ministry of Health had previously reassured sector professionals that their rights and benefits would remain intact and not be subject to revision or reversal.
The government's commitment to its obligations has been reaffirmed, while social dialogue remains open to accompanying the implementation of the reform and consolidating trust between all parties. The ministry's approach aims to improve the governance of health institutions and bring management closer to regional needs while preserving the professional stability of employees.
The development reflects the government's efforts to maintain transparency and trust with health professionals and the public. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection will continue to prioritize the needs of employees and the population while implementing reforms to improve the quality of health services.
Key points
- The Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining centralized salaries for territorial health group employees.
- The ministry's 2027 budget project includes the creation of 8,000 financial positions, including 2,600 for territorial health groups.
- The government has confirmed that salaries will continue to be paid from the general budget through the General Treasury.
