The Geographic Dimension of Health Equity and Indicators of Regional Disparities in the Moroccan Health System

Abstract

This article presents a geographic study of territorial equity, the right to health, and regional disparities in health care in the Moroccan National Health System, through the quantitative analysis of regional statistical data, available for 2019, based on certain health care and health status indicators. This study also aims to highlight the role of social geography in the understanding of human health problems, which until then was limited to the medical and epidemiological sciences.

The results of this study include monitoring regional inequalities in the supply of health care and highlighting regional disparities and quantitative and qualitative shortcomings in the supply of health care linked to the epidemiological situation. Certain regions and cities such as Casablanca and Rabat experience a high concentration, while others suffer from chronic shortcomings, both quantitative and qualitative, in all areas of care services and health infrastructure. Also, most regions are unable to meet the need for quality health care, which constitutes a handicap before territorial equity and the right to health, generates a feeling of deprivation and dignity for the population, and prevents integration. 

Thus, the results of the study offer help to researchers, academics, and professionals assess the experience of advanced regionalization adopted since 2015, especially with regard to the regional organization of healthcare provision, as well as practices for reducing inequalities in access and care services, and determining intervention priorities to improve the health status of the population, as essential indicators of human development based on the values ​​of equity, and the right to health as recognized by international conventions and the national constitution 2011.