The Ministry of Health and Social Protection launched the “Mental Health 2030” Plan Thursday in Rabat, a national framework aimed at expanding access to mental health services, improving the quality of care and promoting mental health services.
The plan marks a new phase in Morocco’s public health policy. Its goal is to promote mental health and prevent mental disorders, while supporting rehabilitation and social reintegration.
By 2030, the plan aims to significantly expand mental health care capacity. The number of beds is expected to rise from 2,466 to about 4,728. The number of psychiatric hospitals will increase from 10 to 17. Intermediate-care facilities will rise from four to 24. The expansion is intended to ensure the availability of mental health services across all regions of the Kingdom.
Nearly MAD 4 billion in funding
The implementation of the “Mental Health 2030” Plan will receive nearly MAD 4 billion in funding to support the various measures and actions planned. The plan also seeks to bring services closer to citizens by strengthening the role of primary health care and intermediate-care facilities, improving coordination with hospital and specialized facilities, and establishing a territorial organization adapted to the needs of local populations.
The plan places particular emphasis on strengthening human resources. The number of psychologists in the public sector is expected to increase from 32 to 786. Annual psychiatrist training capacity will rise from 36 to 124. Annual training capacity for nurses specializing in mental health will increase from 490 to 750. A legal framework governing the profession of psychologist will also be established.
Abderrazak Ouanas, chairman of the Lalla Oumkeltoum Foundation for Mental Health, praised the Royal Solicitude extended to people experiencing mental health vulnerabilities. He said the foundation’s presidency by Princess Lalla Oumkeltoum reflects an enlightened royal vision that places mental health among the national priorities of the health sector.
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The implementation of the plan represents a structured and ambitious response to a human and societal imperative. It requires the mobilization and coordination of efforts by all stakeholders. Mental health is an essential determinant of public health and social cohesion.
Ouanas reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to this national effort and its determination to make its full institutional contribution to the success of the plan, which marks a new era in the promotion of mental health in line with the Royal Solicitude.
Awatef Belakhel of the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Morocco said the plan reflects a human-centered vision focused on strengthening human rights, combating social stigma and ensuring adequate support and assistance. Mental health is a fundamental right, an essential condition for individual and collective development, and an indispensable pillar of universal health coverage.
Fadoua Rahhaoui of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection’s Noncommunicable Diseases Division reviewed the plan’s main strategic priorities and the initiatives that could deliver results in the short and medium term. She said these initiatives include building and upgrading mental health infrastructure, strengthening initial and continuing training, developing new skills and modernizing the legal framework.
