Morocco's Minister of Economy, Finance, and Public Performance, Fouzi Lekjaa, announced plans to revise the country's social aid eligibility index to focus exclusively on income. The current index has been criticized for automatically excluding households from aid when they face unexpected expenses. Lekjaa stated that the new approach will be discussed with parliamentarians. The goal is to adopt an index based solely on income by the mid-term of the government's mandate.
The current social aid eligibility index has played a crucial role in Morocco, allowing for a shift from evaluation based on administrative attestations to one based on household expenses. However, the reality has shown that this index can lead to the exclusion of households that face unexpected expenses, which do not necessarily reflect their income or improved financial situation. Lekjaa emphasized that the new approach aims to remedy this situation.
Four million households in Morocco currently benefit from a minimum amount of 500 dirhams in social aid. The government plans to increase this amount progressively, starting from 600 dirhams in the first year to reach 1,000 dirhams. Lekjaa stressed the importance of encouraging households to access the labor market, so that aid does not become a reason not to work. He expressed his willingness to extend the duration of the aid program if necessary.
Lekjaa also discussed the issue of compulsory basic health insurance (AMO) in Morocco. He noted that 89% of the population, or 32.7 million people, are registered in the insurance scheme, but only 28.6 million people have open rights. Four million people have had their rights suspended due to non-payment of contributions, while 4.1 million people are not affiliated to any insurance scheme.
The minister emphasized the need to address the situations of people who are not benefiting from the insurance scheme, taking into account their contributory capacity. He also stressed the importance of revising the databases and verifying the accuracy of the figures. Lekjaa added that access to medical coverage should be accompanied by effective access to healthcare services.
Lekjaa highlighted the need for a balanced distribution of healthcare services between public and private sectors. He stated that private clinics should not capture 90% of the revenue generated by medical coverage, and that the share of public hospitals, currently below 10%, should reach at least 50%. He also emphasized the role of territorial health groups (GST) in providing a framework for doctors to practice in a wider territorial space.
The government's goal is to provide effective support to households and help them integrate into the economy. Lekjaa reiterated that the objective is not to provide aid for life, but to accompany households and support them in integrating into economic life. The government plans to continue discussions with parliamentarians to finalize the new social aid eligibility index.
Key points
- The Moroccan government plans to revise its social aid eligibility index to focus exclusively on income.
- The government aims to increase the minimum amount of social aid to 1,000 dirhams.
- The minister emphasized the need for a balanced distribution of healthcare services between public and private sectors.
