Chaired by the governor of the province, Adil El Maliki, this meeting in which the president of the Provincial Council, Kabir Maâchi, the heads of the external services concerned and representatives of the local authorities took part, this meeting was an possibility to take stock of the progress of the preliminary studies and work relating to this enterprising project, which is part of the Support Program for the creation of groups of local authorities for the construction, equipment and management of BCH, initiated by Management Generale des Collectivités Territoriales (DGCT) reporting to the Ministry of the Interior.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr.El Maliki indicated that this project aims to modernize and strengthen local public health infrastructures, both in urban and rural areas, noting that these new BCHs will make it possible to improve the management of services.linked to hygiene at the provincial level, notably in the areas of health prevention, food hygiene, public health and the fight against nuisances.
He also noted that the establishment of these health infrastructures is the result of close collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior, the Provincial Council of Essaouira and the local authorities concerned, with coordination ensured by the local authorities, indicating that considerable progress has been made, particularly with regard to the mobilization of the necessary land, the development of architectural and technical studies, as well as the launch of calls for tenders for the construction and equipment of the BCH.
According to the established schedule, construction work should start before the end of the current month, with a delay of eight months for effective commissioning, said the governor, calling, in this regard, on stakeholders to closely monitor the execution of the works in order to respect the deadlines and to guarantee infrastructures meeting the standards in force.
For his part, the head of the Local Authorities Division at the prefecture of the province of Essaouira, Zakaria Cherkaoui, presented an exhaustive presentation on the different components of the project, noting that the BCH, which will be deployed in the municipalities of Essaouira, El Hanchane, Talmest and Tamanar, will cover all localities in the province.
For their part, the recently elected presidents of the local authority groups, responsible for managing the BCH, expressed their commitment to guaranteeing the success of this promising project, which constitutes “a major step forward for public health and the well-being of the inhabitants of the province.
Other stakeholders, including private partners, have, for their part, highlighted their desire to actively contribute to supporting this initiative so that these BCHs fully fulfill their mission in serving the population.
Furthermore, the meeting made it possible to address the next phase of the project, which will mainly concern the supervision of construction works, the training of personnel responsible for operating the BCHs and the development of maintenance plans to guarantee their proper functioning. in the long term.
– What are the anticipated benefits of the BCH project for the community in Essaouira?
Interview with Health Infrastructure Expert on the New BCH Project in Essaouira
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Maya Bensalem, a public health infrastructure expert, to discuss the exciting developments surrounding the new Basic Community Health (BCH) project in Essaouira, chaired by Governor Adil El Maliki. Welcome,Dr.Bensalem!
Dr. Maya Bensalem: Thank you for having me! it’s a pleasure to discuss such an essential subject.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the essential aspects of this project. What are the main objectives of the BCH initiative as outlined by Governor El Maliki?
Dr.Maya Bensalem: The primary aim of the BCH project is to modernize and enhance local public health infrastructures across both urban and rural pockets of Essaouira. This modernization will significantly improve the management of public services related to hygiene, health prevention, food hygiene, and core public health interventions. Essentially, it will help combat various health nuisances that have long affected the population.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a important undertaking. how is the collaboration structured among the various stakeholders involved in the project?
Dr. Maya Bensalem: There’s a coordinated effort among the Ministry of the Interior, the Provincial Council, and local authorities, ensuring that everybody is on the same page. Each group plays a pivotal role—be it in mobilizing necessary land, developing technical studies, or handling tender processes for construction and equipment. This collaboration is vital for the project’s success.
Time.news Editor: given that construction is set to begin soon, how do you see this impacting the local community in the short term?
Dr. maya Bensalem: The immediate impact will be quite transformative. Local communities will experience an upgrade in health services and facilities. This means better access to healthcare and improved sanitation, which are essential for public health. Improving these facilities will result in enhanced service delivery and management, as highlighted by the local authority presidents who are optimistic about the BCH’s potential.
Time.news Editor: What challenges do you foresee in the execution phase of this project, notably in terms of adhering to deadlines?
Dr. Maya bensalem: One of the significant challenges will be ensuring that everyone remains accountable and that there is constant oversight during construction. The Governor has stressed the importance of closely monitoring the execution of works to meet deadlines and specifications. Only with rigorous supervision can we guarantee that these infrastructures meet the required health standards.
Time.news Editor: The training of personnel is another crucial component mentioned.Why is this so imperative to the long-term success of the BCHs?
Dr. Maya Bensalem: Training the personnel who will operate these health centers is fundamental. Skilled healthcare workers are vital for implementing the services that the BCHs will provide. A well-trained team can ensure that the facilities are not only operational but also effective in promoting public health initiatives. Additionally, ongoing maintenance training will aid in the longevity and proper functioning of these centers.
Time.news Editor: what advice would you offer to stakeholders and the local community to ensure the initiative thrives beyond the construction phase?
Dr.Maya Bensalem: Stakeholders should prioritize continuous engagement with the community. This means not only updating them about the project’s progress but also involving them in health programs and services from the outset. Moreover, having private partners actively contribute to the initiative is crucial, as their support can enhance resource availability and sustainability. Lastly, effective interaction channels need to be established to address any concerns or suggestions from the community, ensuring the project remains aligned with their needs.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Bensalem,for your insights on the BCH project.It’s clear that this initiative has the potential to significantly elevate public health in Essaouira, paving the way for improved health outcomes for its citizens.
Dr. maya Bensalem: You’re welcome! I’m looking forward to seeing the positive changes this project will bring to the region. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important topic.