Marocco

What is your role in the cooperation process with Morocco?

My mission with the GIP took place in a favourable context, i.e. within the framework of an agreement signed between France and Morocco in September 2005. It also made clear to me the great fund of goodwill existing between the two countries and the strong desire for cooperation.
Clearly this is a very important project for Morocco: no less than the creation of a compulsory health insurance system, progressively extending coverage to the entire population.
For my part, the first step was to carry out an in-country scoping mission. Based on my findings, I then developed an action plan consistent with the ambitions and possibilities of both parties – a programme that was approved by the Moroccan authorities in January 2006.
In the day-to-day conduct of the project, my main task is to identify key players and coordinate the respective inputs of the different experts involved.
The management structure is for the moment relatively simple; the budget is small and travelling expenses are paid either by the French diplomatic post in Morocco or the Moroccan Government, depending on the purpose of the trip and the destination.

How do you explain the choice of the French health insurance model?

You are quite right in saying that Morocco has made a clear choice in favour of the French health insurance model.
Obviously there are deep and long-standing ties between the two countries, but Morocco’s decision also reflects its recognition of the value of the French model. We even had to insist on certain difficulties and weaknesses in our system to warn our Moroccan partners against making similar mistakes!
This interest in the French health insurance system confirms the appeal of our welfare system for developing countries. It also testifies to the importance of a structure like the GIP, which has a role to play in leveraging French know-how in response to that interest.

How do you see the partnership evolving?

The project is making rapid headway, particularly thanks to the commitment of our Moroccan colleagues. The development of a universal health insurance system is clearly an issue of tremendous political and social significance for the country.
The momentum for change will however affect how the project is managed. The GIP will most certainly have to begin scouting for players to take up the reins and to coordinate the project once it’s in full swing.
I also think that a successful project like the Moroccan one will help the GIP to fine-tune its methodologies, even though it’s rather early to be reaching any firm conclusions.