Launched on Thursday, November 12, in Douar El Houmer, within the rural commune of Sahel Chamali, south of Assilah, the initiative will continue until November 15, visiting several villages to bring medical services closer to residents who have limited access to healthcare facilities.
Organized by the MekkiL Association, the caravan is supported by the Ministry of National Education, the regional health group of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, the region’s wilaya and several private companies and associations.
A team of 25 volunteer doctors and healthcare professionals from different parts of Morocco is taking part in the operation, offering consultations and screenings in several specialties, including pediatrics, dentistry, and maternal and child health.
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The services also include screening for diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as awareness activities on disease prevention. A mobile pharmacy set up by Labopharm is distributing free medication for adults and children, along with nutritional supplements.
Diabetes screening and follow-up care
Meryem El Ouafir, deputy chair of the MekkiL Association for the Protection of Mothers and Children in Rural Areas, said this was the second medical caravan organized in the commune, following an earlier operation in April.
Unlike the first edition, the current initiative has a mobile format, with medical teams visiting four villages during the operation and covering 13 villages in total, she told Morocco’s state news agency MAP.
She said the campaign was taking place under difficult weather conditions, but had received a positive response from residents. Some beneficiaries were receiving medical teams in their villages for the first time.
The program is giving particular attention to diabetes awareness, screening and treatment ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14. It also includes activities focused on children’s oral health and maternal and child care.
The organizers expect around 700 people to benefit. El Ouafir said the initiative’s objective was not limited to the number of consultations delivered, but also included the quality of treatment and continuity of medical follow-up.
To achieve this, the association has established a coordinated referral and follow-up process with the regional health group, the university hospital center and local health centers, allowing patients to continue receiving care after the caravan ends.
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Dr. Jibrane Mohamed, an emergency physician leading the medical team, said volunteers were providing consultations across several specialties and distributing the necessary medication free of charge, particularly to people with diabetes or high blood pressure and children requiring treatment.
Part of a five-year rural development program
The medical caravan is organized under the “Youth Horizons 2030 – Living Villages” program, a five-year local development initiative led by the MekkiL Association.
The program aims to support social and human development in the commune, with particular attention to children, young people and women. Its activities cover healthcare, education, literacy, vocational training, sports, culture and the environment.
Other planned initiatives include academic support for children to help prevent school dropout, training opportunities for young people and women, improvements to local sports facilities and community activities.
