Organized by the Provincial Commitee for Human Advancement (CPDH) of Marrakech, in partnership with the Regional Directorate and the Provincial Delegation of Health and Social Protection and the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center (CHU), this campaign, which includes 13 stages in total, will travel through different rural communities within the prefecture of Marrakech.
Nearly 800 children and mothers, from this rural commune and neighboring communes, benefited, as part of this caravan, from consultations with general practitioners and specialists, in addition to blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds and distribution free medicines.
In a statement to the press, the head of the Social Action Division (DAS) in the Wilaya of the Marrakech-Safi region, Anouar Dbira Tlemsani, indicated that these medical caravans, which will travel through different municipalities under the prefecture of Marrakech, are part of the implementation of the programs of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), including program 4 of phase III relating to the “Improving the human capital of rising generations”, and the axis relating to maternal and child health, which intends to contribute to improving access to care for mothers and children, and to changing the behaviour of populations with the aim of reducing preventable deaths.
In a similar statement, the head of the Health Establishment Network Service (SRES) of marrakech, Abderrahim Idmoussa, stressed that this caravan is the fruit of a partnership linking several parties, including the CPDH, the Mohammed VI university Hospital, the association Support of development initiatives and the commune of Al Ouidane, indicating that importent logistical resources have been mobilized, including mobile units equipped in particular with an ultrasound machine and mammograph, in addition to a unit dedicated to dentistry and another to ophthalmology.
Phase III of the INDH, launched in September 2018, focuses on several areas, namely ”making up for deficits in infrastructure and basic social services”, “supporting people in precarious situations”, “improving the income and economic inclusion of young people” and “boosting the human capital of rising generations.”
What are the challenges faced in providing healthcare access to rural communities in Morocco?
Title: Enhancing Health Access in Rural Marrakech: An Interview with Anouar Dbira Tlemsani
Q: Thank you for joining us today,Mr. Tlemsani. Can you explain the importance of the recent medical caravan organized by the Provincial Committee for Human Advancement (CPDH)?
A: Thank you for having me. The medical caravan is vital for enhancing healthcare access in rural areas of Marrakech. Organized by the CPDH alongside health authorities and Mohammed VI University Hospital Center, we aim to provide essential medical services directly to communities that otherwise lack comprehensive healthcare access. With 13 stages planned, this initiative serves almost 800 children and mothers, offering consultations, blood tests, ultrasound scans, and free medications.
Q: What motivated the launch of this caravan and how does it align with Morocco’s broader health initiatives?
A: This caravan aligns with the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), particularly Phase III, which was launched to improve human capital, especially for mothers and children. It’s critical to reduce preventable deaths by enhancing healthcare access and changing health behaviors within thes populations. This initiative reflects our commitment to improving the overall health and wellbeing of rising generations within our communities.
Q: Can you elaborate on the specific health services provided during these medical caravans?
A: Certainly! our caravans include general and specialized consultations. We have mobilized significant resources, including mobile units equipped with ultrasound machines and mammographs, and also units specializing in dentistry and ophthalmology. These services address a wide range of health issues and are tailored to meet the specific needs of mothers and children in rural areas.
Q: What role do local partnerships play in the success of this initiative?
A: Partnerships are crucial. The cooperation between the CPDH, health authorities, the Mohammed VI university Hospital, and local associations has been fundamental in ensuring we provide effective services. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can effectively mobilize necessary logistics and create a structured approach to health delivery in underserved areas.
Q: Phase III of the INDH has several pillars focusing on social services. How does this campaign contribute to addressing infrastructure deficits?
A: The focus on making up for deficits in infrastructure and basic social services is a key goal of Phase III. By deploying our medical caravan, we are actively bringing healthcare services to rural communities, effectively bypassing existing infrastructural barriers. This also highlights the need for further investment and development in these areas. The campaign not only provides immediate medical assistance but also raises awareness about the necessity of improved health infrastructure.
Q: What messages would you like to convey to our readers regarding maternal and child health in Morocco?
A: I urge our readers to understand the importance of proactive health engagement. regular check-ups, access to maternal healthcare, and early treatment of illnesses can significantly reduce health risks for mothers and children. Awareness is the first step towards betterment. We must also advocate for continued support for initiatives like INDH that focus on boosting human capital and promoting health equity in all communities.
Q: As we conclude, what practical advice can you offer to community members in rural areas regarding their health?
A: I advise community members to take full advantage of initiatives like the medical caravans. Stay informed about such programs, participate actively, and utilize the provided health services. Building community awareness around health issues and seeking assistance whenever needed can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes. Together, we can make strides toward a healthier future for all.
Keywords: medical caravan, Marrakech health services, maternal and child healthcare, INDH Phase III, healthcare access in rural areas, CPDH partnership, health infrastructure improvement.